We are here! We are so sorry it has taken so long for us to post, but believe it or not, our days have been really busy so far. But we are doing really well so far. The trip here was pretty uneventful- 3 games of scrabble, 2 movies, 1 book, and a bunch of sudoku later, we were here!
We had a great surprise on Sunday morning when Deborah and Jack showed up as our "Shuttle Service" to the airport. They totally fooled us and it was a great surprise and way to start our journey! Thanks guys!
Our first stop was in Dulles, where we got another great surprise- Sara's parents were allowed to come through security to see us. We got to grab lunch and watch some football in an airport pub. Our next flight was to Frankfurt. As many of you know, that was during game 7 of the Indians- Red Sox game. We literally stalked the flight attendant to get constant updates of the score from the pilot. We are really excited about the World Series, but we haven't been able to find it on TV yet.
We had a 5 hour layover in Frankfurt which was pretty uneventful. And then we finally arrived in Astana Kazakhstan on Monday night- 10:50 pm Kaz time. Surprisingly, all of our luggage made it!
We were met at the airport by our translator, coordinator, and driver. They are a great team, and have taken fabulous care of us over here. We feel really fortunate, and a little spoiled.
We moved into our apartment yesterday. After spending the first two nights in a hotel, it is really nice to unpack and feel settled. We got an awesome apartment that overlooks the river- Waterfront property, for whatever that is worth in the winter in Kazakhstan! But we really do love it. We are walking distance from a lot of things, which is great.
Astana is an amazingly beautiful city. Really sophisticated and modern, with little hints of the Soviet era mixed in. The food has been great so far- we are eating a lot of beets!
We haven't gotten the internet set up in our apartment yet (so our phone isn't set up either) because today, tomorrow, and Saturday are "Republic Day" here in Kazakhstan. Hopefully Monday- so after that, our postings should be much more frequent.
So now, for the stuff that you really all care about....
It is a girl!
Unfortunately we can't post any pictures of her yet- some pretty strict regulations and we don't want to jeopardize anything in the process. But we will tell you this....
She is absolutely beautiful-- we know we are a little biased, but objectively, she really is gorgeous! She is really sweet and active and we love every minute we get to spend wit her. In about 10 days, we'll be able to post pictures, and we promise- we have a lot to share!!! If you can't tell yet- We're a little obsessed with her :-)
We miss you all, thanks for all of the comments! It is such a nice treat to read.
We love you all, and we promise that Baby Tennen will be a REDSKINS fan first and foremost as far as football goes. She will wear Patriots clothing with pride as long as the Skins and Pats never meet at the Super Bowl, which given how the Skins look these days, that looks very far off! She will love the Red Sox, of course. And yes Michele, she will be the ONLY Jewish baby with Notre Dame paraphernalia, and she will wear it with pride!
We love you all!
32 comments:
Hi--
We are beyond excited and can't wait to see pictures of her. Thank you for our early morning call with the great news. We had been up late watching the Red Sox -Colorado game (13-1 Sox!), so this news is just the absolutely best part of an already great 24 hours..Seriously, we love the Red Sox, but there is no comparison. She is now in the top echelons of our heart--that would be the "sky-boxes"!
We cannot wait to see her, hug her, spoil her. You know the drill!
Be well and be safe. Take good care of yourselves and each other (all three of you).
Love, Mom and Dad---aka Nana and Pa
MAZEL TOV! We are so happy for you! Such wonderful wonderful news!! Looking forward to hearing more and seeing lots of pictures! All the best to you and your new little one!
Love, Eve, Jeff and Hannah
Go sox! :) (i just couldn't resist -- I mean, she is a sox fan, right?!)
MAZEL TOV!!! We are so excited for you! I have to admit that I have been stalking your blog waiting for the big news. It sounds like you are settling in and getting to enjoy your new baby. Can't wait to hear more and see pictures. Thinking of you.
Love, Hannah, Jeremy and Jordyn
Mazel Tov!!! I have been thinking about you both for the past few days anxiously awaiting the news! I am so happy for you and your family. Can't wait to see pictures.....
I am so excited to see your beautiful baby and thrilled for the Tennen addition! Don't worry Adam, all 3 of us ladies won't gang up on you at the same time :) I cannot imagine how excited you are because I can barely sit at my desk right now. Many people at Cleveland Clinic now know that you have a baby girl and they are very excited, too! I hope everything continues to go well and, like Hannah, I will continue to stalk your blog! I better go order an ND cheerleader outfit and of course a Jersey, I don't want this little girl to think she can only be a cheerleader...Love Michele
Mazel tov - All the very best to you.
Reeva and Ian
Congratulations from the Visnosky family! We are so excited for you and little baby girl Tennen. We can't wait to see her and are anxiously awaiting the pictures when you are able to post them. In the meantime take care of yourselves and give her a big kiss from us. We were happy to hear she will be a Notre Dame fan. They need all the fans they can get this year!
Pat and Mike Visnosky
Dear Sara and Adam,
I am a friend of your parents and have three children, one of whom we adopted. I wish you a Mazel Tov on the birth of your daughter and wish her a life of health and happiness.
Three cheers for this child born from your hearts.
Susan Wachtel
Congrats! Mazel Tov! I am so excited for you both. I can't wait to meet the beautiful baby girl!
Love,
Shawn Steinberg-MacMillan
Sara and Adam--
Congrats on your baby girl. We cannot wait to see her pictures and learn more about her. Mike and I are so happy for both of you. Post more about her when you can.
Hilary Gingold
Have just received the news about your new baby girl and am sharing everyone's joy here in Maryland (we have known Sara's folks for many years). Right now I am sitting at a computer in my office and feeling overwhelmed with delight that all of you are feeling. A huge mazal tov to the proud parents and all the extended families. Will continue to follow the blog and this incredible journey with pleasure. Susan Weiss
Congratulations, can't wait to meet her!
Hi-
Uncle Bob is planning his work calendar so he can be in Phoenix for all the Birthday parties, music recitals and soccer games. I am looking forward to be allowed to babysit.
Can't wait to get a peek at our new great niece. I am searching for new England Patriot booties-maybe Micah can give his when he outgrows them. I don't think they make jerseys that small.
Enjoy all those beets!
love, Tanta Debbi
Dear Sara, Adam and our family's new little one.
Mazel Tov! I can't wait to tell the boys they have a new cousin. I am at work and am bursting with excitement that I had to tell someone. Now my 3 teammates are sharing in the excitement. They send their congratulations. Can't wait to see pictures. I am very glad your flight was uneventful - a positive sign of things to come. Stay well and enjoy your time with your daughter. Hugs and Kisses to all of you. Love you, Aunt Raggedy, Eric and Alex
Sara and Adam--
We were so pleased when Mom sent us your website and good news and are delighted to follow you on this special journey. Our son Elie is currently in Romania in the Peace Corps so we are very much tuned in to Eastern Europe/Western Asia these days! Be well and enjoy these special moments! Marsha & Kevin Teichman
Hi,
Mazel Tov! So exciting to hear about the newest member of our family. I can't wait to tell the boys. I am bursting to tell someone so I shared the news with my 3 teammates. They send their congratulations. Looking forward to pictures. My heart is bursting with happiness for you all. Stay well. Hugs and kisses to you all. Love, Aunt Raggedy, Eric, Alex
Hi New Mommy and Daddy!
We are so excited about the new addition, and like everyone else, we can't wait to see pictures!!!!
We hope you are all doing well and surviving the cold! It sure isn't Arizona temps!!!! It must bring back your fond memories of Rochester and Cleveland winters!
Keep up posted! We miss you like crazy! It has been hard not talking to you on a daily basis!
Much love,
Auntie Bethany, Uncle Jay and Cousins Jordyn and Micah
(We all love our new titles!)
Wow, so much excitement! Today is certainly baby day with HS families - you have a new baby girl and the Schwartz twin grandsons had their bris. Absolutely fantastic. What could be better for us old folks than a new generation of kids to spoil?
We are so very thrilled for you. Babies are a miracle and a blessing so enjoy every moment. They grow up much too quickly.
We are in stand-by mode for pictures and more info about your amazing adventure.
Love, Valerie and Stuart
Hi Sara & Adam,
MAZAL TOV! This is so exciting to be a part of. Wishing you both much love and happiness as you begin life with your new baby daughter. Can't wait for the pictures and then for the first official trip to Potomac! What about the Rochester Yellowjackets??
Love,
Rhonda, Richard, Emily & Josh
Congrats, that's so exciting! I can't wait to see pictures.
Mazel tov! The three of you make a beautiful family wherever in the world you are. We wish you health, happiness, peace...and a trip to Potomac soon so we can meet the new little princess!
Love,
Jackie and Lenny
Mazal tov that's really great news, and we especially like girls in our two families. Sounds like you're having fun and really enjoying the new baby. I sent your blog to my friend, Kevin Byers, who is the proud father of two wonderful boys from Kazahkstan. He recalls eating root vegetables as well (and predicts you won't want to eat them ever again) during an earlier winter adoption when he first met his older son, Sam.
Enjoy your trip and gorgeous new daughter. We look forward to meeting her on one of her many visits to Maryland.
Nina Simon and Bob Rosenthal
What an adventure! Your excitement is shared in KY. Keep the postings coming. Can't wait to meet our beautiful niece.
Love,
Josh and Patricia
Hi - great to catch up on your adventure - sounds more like a vacation ! Wait 'till you try the borscht - yummy. Can't wait to see her!! love, Mom & Dad
Mazel Tov from your relatives in Newtown, Pa. We can't wait to see the baby and shower her with appropriate
clothing...Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots gear.
In addition, she'll be receiving a U. Rochester baby sweatshirt just like her mother did when she was an infant.......
Love,
Uncle Michael,Aunt Barbara,Jason and Josh
Sara and Adam,
Every posting is about showering this beautiful little girl with sports gear-could it be that she will not like sports and love ballet and opera?
Nah.... what was I thinking? Of course she will. She doesn't have a choice. We will love her even if she doesn't know a first down from a double play. November 4 better come fast, we are all waiting to see her!
love you all, Tanta Debbi
Mazel tov! We know she is beautiful. We can just tell by the way you write about her. Do you know when her birthday is? Avi is very curious to know if he is going to be dating on older woman.
Love,
Marc, Hara, and Avi
Just so excited to be hearing about this wonderful addition to our family! What a very special journey you have undertaken. Looking forward to seeing pictures very soon. We might just have to undertake a trip to Arizona to visit the little ones. Sedona has always tempted us!
Much love to all of you, Elaine and Charlie
Sara and Adam,
We could not be more excited for you!! Thank you for posting this terrific update. We can't wait to see pictures of your beautiful baby girl! Wishing you much strength and love as this process continues to unfold. We look forward to seeing you when you come to DC -- and hopefully introducing your little girl to our baby-boy-to-be as well! A match, perhaps??! :)
Love,
Debbie & Dan
Dear Sara and Adam,
I am a classmate/friend from Hebrew College of your Mom. Her excitement awaiting her new grandchild rubbed off on me. I have been following your blog. I, too, am very excited about the birth of your new little, gorgeous daughter. I wish you a hearty Mazel Tov with best wishes for a safe trip home and lots of years of happiness, joy and good health for all three of you.
Shelley Novoselsky
Adam and Sara,
Mazel tov!! That is really exciting! We can't wait to hear more about her and of course see pictures. Take care!
Love,
Emiy & Jeff
Hi Adam & Sara -
Mazel Tov on your baby girl! We are enjoying hearing about her and your trip and we can't wait to see pictures. Sounds like you are enjoying yourselves tremendously as you should be! Take care and thinking of you lots!
love,
Meredith & Dave
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