Dad, are you sure Mom said quadruple-chocolate ice cream was OK?

Mom, does this hat really match my outfit?

We're not sure if this is baby porridge or rabbit food but Sam seems to like it...

Life has totally revolved around the care of Sam.  He's a bit like a puzzle that we're trying to figure out.  This little puzzle fortunately eats everything in front of him, even if it might be rabbit food.  His input and output seems to be in functioning order, but we haven't quite mastered the nap thing.  Young Sam takes so much delight in everything.  He is curious, playful, and every conceivable household item evokes intense wonder.  We think that he is so stimulated by his new world that he fights sleep tooth and nail in order not to miss the action.  It's understandable. By day's end he is a tired little hombre and fortunately sleeps (and allows us to sleep) through the night.

Yesterday he had his first doctor's appointment at the International Medical Clinic.  The US Embassy requires a physical in order to process the visa.  Sam wasn't too crazy about being poked and prodded, but passed with flying colors.

We visited the Kazakhstan National Museum today, with our fingers crossed that Sam wouldn't destroy any 14th century tapestries.  It was lovely and was really our first opportunity to learn more about the rich culture and history here.   We made it through the whole museum, albeit at a faster pace than your average bear, with our young cub in tow. 

There are so many great restaurants and other cultural offerings to explore here.  Tonight we were particularly craving good food that we didn't have to cook (not that the food we've been preparing can be filed in the "good" category).   There is a great pub around the block that has a menu in English and we made it as far as the door before the youngest Christopher protested.  We were a bit ambitious to think about an actual evening out with him at this point, but hunger will do strange things....

Needless to say, we are both completely over the moon with our new son.   It has been a joy to see him explore his new world and take such delight in it.  He amazes us with how quickly he picks up new skills, almost before our very eyes.  We know these days are precious and we are cherishing them.