Where does it go?

I looked at the calendar today and realized that it is already November, soon to be December, and then the year 2010. How is that possible? Where has the time gone? What have I accomplished this year? Is it too late to make a New Year's resolution? :)

Yes, school is crazy and basketball will be starting soon (thanks to Emily getting the girls in shape with football). However, it looks as though I need to start thinking about spending some time AWAY from school, schoolwork, and school related activities, away from the computer, and doing some actual exploring. I had an excuse for 5 weeks or so... but no longer do I have the crutches keeping me off of buses, away from downtown, and limiting me to Baku's "even" streets.

No time like the present... oh wait, it is a bit late to be adventuring. Reading is a better idea. :)

**Be looking for the upcoming "Turkey Tango"-- the little ones are sooooo darn cute strutting their stuff!

Happy Halloween!!!

My mother sent me a great link for Monster Mashing... and I am addicted! Each of my classes have been "mashed", along with some unsuspecting friends! Check them out-- and then try one for yourself!

Teacher Mash
Mom's Family Mash
Ultimate Guys Mash

Xayyam's DAUGHTER

Zohra (Naomi) has arrived! Xayyam's daughter was born on Monday night (early Tuesday morning)! Both mom and baby are doing very well-- but are still in the hospital for now. Xayyam took me to see them on Wednesday-- I had no idea what to expect.

The hospital is an old Russian Hospital near 20 January. It was so quiet on the inside of the gates, almost felt like a different world. It was sprinkling out when we arrived at the back doors to the "pregnant branch" -- literally translated. Xayyam briefly spoke to one of the nurses and then we exited the building. Xayyam was beaming because the nurse agreed to allow us to see Zohra for a minute or two.

We went around to the backside of the building and Xayyam called his wife. It was so cute to watch him because as he talked to her, he looked up at the windows of the building (searching for her). Xayyam has not been able to hold Zohra or spend the evenings with his wife because both mother and daughter are in a sort of quarantine. The only way they have been able to see each other is through a hole in the back door. This is hole is also where I was able to catch a brief glimpse of Zohra.

The nurse brought Zohra to the window, all wrapped in blankets and swaddled to the hilt! She is a precious little thing-- and looks just like Xayyam's wife, Chinnul (not sure of the spelling). The nurse didn't stay with Zohra long, but I was able to to get one picture for Xayyam. I wanted to get a picture of Xayyam paying the nurse 3 manat (just so that we could see the baby), but I thought I better keep the camera focused on other things.

Most babies, after coming home from the hospital, don't leave the house (along with the mother) or receive visitors for 40 days-- this is the tradition in Azerbaijan. I am not really educated on the reasons why or how this all began, but I am assuming it has to do with the health of the baby. However, Xayyam has promised that visitors are welcome at his house. He is such a proud father! :)