Steve here.  Well, Day 21 is almost in the books.  "Almost" is the operative word.  Jen is back in the bedroom singing and rocking with Benjamin Aidos before she puts him in bed.  Last night things were quite a bit better than the previous nights.  Only about 10 minutes of crying, and Jen was able to calm him down before he fell asleep.  We're hoping that things continue to improve in that direction.

We had a great day.  Today was the 12th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union.  Government offices in town were closed, as they have been since Saturday, but businesses were open.  Almaty is decked out in the Kaz colors of aqua and yellow, and there are celebrations, including fireworks, in Republic Square.  It's a bit too far for us to walk up there, and too late for Aidos, so we'll listen to the booms from our apartment.  We spent most of the day around the Tsum store - lots more shopping for people back home.  Aidos was very patient, in fact, far more patient than I.  He walked around holding a shopping bag.  As interested as he was in all of the things at the kiosks, he did a pretty good job of listening when we told him not to touch. 

Jen has continued her plan of personally revitalizing the economy of Kazakhstan.  We counted our remaining cash this morning, then proceeded to spend about a third of it.  We actually tried a cash machine today, but it didn't take our card.  I'm actually not too worried about it, though.  If we run out of money, we did get travel insurance.  One or both of us could feign death, and then we'll get a free ride back to the US.

After we finished today's binge, we walked the mile back to our apartment and looked at the sights along the way.

Jen here: Benjamin Aidos was an absolutely delightful child today. He is using more and more words (some Kazakh and some English (bus, bye bye, car, truck, look mama, yeah, puppy ) and he is starting to understand our boundaries and routine. And we are starting to understand his. For example, he will never ask to sit on the potty, nor will he confirm he has to go if you ask (in any language). But he will go every time we sit him on the toilet. We just have to remember to do it every couple hours. We have also learned that he eats very slowly and it is best to start him will fruit and cheese while dinner is being prepared - that way he is entertained and he gets done eating when we do. He will always do what you ask, but on his own terms. For example, when he gets too rough with the camera and I tell him to give it to me, he will hold it back - but if I wait just a moment, he will then quickly go return it to its case. When he wants attention he will bring you things (everything he can pick up) one by one until you pay him some. Give him anything that has lots of pieces to organize, and he will be busy for 30 minutes. He thinks it is hilarious to put on our snow gear. 

Finally,  I have found "Shrieking Man"'s greatest weakness.  He cannot listen to singing while being rocked in the dark without falling asleep!  He has not yet lasted for more than two run-throughs of "One Tin Soldier."  After only a few minutes of whining tonight, all is peaceful in the apartment...at least for now...   Life is good.