11-11-2004

Just wanted to drop a very brief note to let everybody know that I am absolutely confirmed to fly home on Aerosvit airlines on Sunday.   Today, we went to the embassy doctor and of course the kids passed with flying colors.   Tomorrow we have our embassy appointment at 9:30 AM after which there is nothing to do, but wait till Sunday.

I am planning to bring the kids (with Sergay our driver) to the Kiev Circus Saturday from 1 to 3:30.  Other than that, nothing exciting going on.  I spent the first night in our apartment alone with my kids.

Putting the kids to bed was an experience, but yes, we did get to sleep finally last night.   I started the process at approximately 8 PM.   Gave both kids a shower, which was an adventure in itself.   I was told to "wash them thoroughly" before the doctor, so I had both kids in the tub, washed them myself (with their help!) we did the shampoo thing and then after the entire bathroom was wet, we were done!

The kids wanted to sleep with me (with me in the middle).  Then they decided that it was more fun to jump up out of bed, turn on the light switch, and pop back in the bed.   After about ten times doing this, they decided tickling me was just a blast.  Finally, after I threatened to put them in their own room, they settled down.  

Kyle fell asleep right away after this, but Tim is definitely more rambunctious!    He continued to make loud noises till I "poked" him and he "cried" himself to sleep.    Tim had several crying bouts last night, but I can't tell half the time I think he is faking.  He cries, with tears and then starts laughing when I touch him.   I sure wish we could speak the same language.  

I think Kyle has some kind of sleep disorder.   After sleeping in the bed for about an hour, I got out of the bed to move to the other room, where I could sleep in some comfort.   But in a short time, I woke up with loud noises coming from the kids.   Kyle was thrashing like crazy.   I spent about an hour watching them sleep.   Kyle would start snoring loudly, then all of sudden stop breathing for a minute or so and then it seemed like he had some kind of seizure?   Want to keep an eye on this, the doctor seems to think he has swollen adenoids and the symptoms jive with the diagnosis.   I have medication, but want to consult with an ENT man.   We will check this out soon.

Kids loved McDonalds.   First time they ate there was yesterday.   Now every meal, its McDonald's  McDonald's.    I tell you McDonald's needs to expose Internat kids... its a whole new market!      They loved the french fries, but the cheeseburger / hamburger was NOT a big hit.   Of course, they loved the toy in the happy meal too.  

Another big item in demand is a "watch".   Mom --- take note the kids want watches.    I am placing my order for Costco steaks.... I want a great big juicy steak Sunday night when I get home!     Steak is unheard of in this country.   They don't sell any beef products to speak of.   The closest thing I could find was kind of "corned beef".   Its all ham, chicken, salami, hot dogs, etc.   pork/chicken/fish.

You might be curious to know what Kyle/Tim had for lunch today.   Kyle ate a kind of pancake thing  (I think it was kasha)  plus "mushrooms"  ... (cooked)...   Tim ate rice with some pork mixed in.   Sveta forced them to eat a little bit of salad  and then they had some kind of fruit with whipped cream on top.

They drink milk & juices... tea & coffee.   Sveta knows how to order for them.  They do not eat a lot,  they like to leave half of everything, including dessert.   I ordered a McDonalds ice cream cone for each of them and Kyle left half the cone, Tim ate all the ice cream and threw out the cone itself.

So, not big eaters.   By the way Sveta is babysitting the kids while I type this.   I don't have much "alone time" and I certainly cant bring the kids into the internet cafe.