SHANNON: Hi. We are settled into our apartment. I am sorry to say I have a very sick boy on my hands. First of all he is teething, then his face broke out, I guess food allergy. Then blisters on his tongue that are worsening and now they are in his throat. He has been running a high fever. Fortunately we have an appointment at the US Embassy Medical Clinic tomorrow afternoon. He spent the whole day in the baby backpack (my back is killing me) and the rest of the day in my arms. Even then he is very fussy. Poor baby. Rachel is still doing great. Just seems so happy to have a family. She acted out a little today. I know it is a little hard on her since Todd is so needy right now but all in all she has been a good sport and even tries to help dress him, change diaper, etc. Also, I am surprised but thrilled to say she is totally toilet trained. Not one accident since we've taken custody. It think from what I have read that is pretty rare for her age when it comes to this type of change. Just a couple more days. I miss my husband, my daughter, my dog, my house, my life....can't wait to get home.
MIKE: Interesting to watch Shannon with Todd being so sick and with Rachel at her side and see the motherly instincts kick in. She is awesome but time away is taking its toll. I will say I contributed by fixing dinner tonight...the best she's had since she left home over 5 weeks ago. The snow melted and sun came out and I took a good walk in the city, found an Irish Pub and will bring pizza in tomorrow night.
The city is pretty modern but heavy pollution except at edge of mountains where there are some extremely nice homes...$500,000-$1,000,000. That's due to gas and oil companies and some government jobs. We gained 40 degrees and 40 years since leaving Petropavlosk. There are a wide range of ethnic people but more Kazak's than Russian but there seems to be no prejudices at all involving race or religion. Much is attributable to former communist influence.
We have 4 days but really more like 3 since our flight is at 4:30 AM and we will leave for the airport at 1:00 AM, Hopefully we'll see a real MD tomorrow at the clinic and get some medicine and relief for Todd.
God Bless America.
