Today was a good day at the baby house, in large part because we learned so much. In addition to our very informative and encouraging appointment with the doctor, we learned a few other key facts:
* In Kazakh baby houses, letting a kid play on the floor without a blanket is a no-no. We were chastised in “the big room” when a caregiver happened by while Lera was upset, lying quietly on her back (that is her mad thing). Yeah right… try keeping a 2 year old on a blanket!
* Bubbles can solve any problem in a child’s world. Lera had fun during most of our visit, but we are learning that she really does not like being told “nyet!” (The caregivers tell us she is a very obedient girl, so she rarely gets the “nyet.” However we have her in a big room with hallways and curtains and other babies to check out.. so it seems to come up a bit during our visits!) Anticipating this, we brought in our heavy artillery today - bubbles. She went from mad to glad in seconds! 
* Baby doll hats do not fit Russ. It has been fun to see how far he will go to get a grin or a chuckle from Lera, and she rewards him in spades. From goofy faces to silly dances, putting pants on his head or trying on doll hats - she thinks he’s the best darn toy ever!!
* Baby doll hats do not fit Russ. It has been fun to see how far he will go to get a grin or a chuckle from Lera, and she rewards him in spades. From goofy faces to silly dances, putting pants on his head or trying on doll hats - she thinks he’s the best darn toy ever!!
* Valeria really wants a family, and while she does not know what to do in this situation, she is trying hard. She only cried a few times today, but after hearing it, one of the caregivers basically told her “If you don’t want these people for your MamaPapa, there are other kids here who would be happy to have them for MamaPapa. You need to be a good girl for them.” She changed her attitude and actions immediately, and it was moving to see.
A few pix - including our interpreter, Oxana. And - a picture Dad took of Aidan and Kristin during our Skype session! A & K, we really miss you and love you. 
Where's the pic of Russ with the pants and baby doll hat on his head?
ReplyDeleteAlison, every day I can't wait to log in and hear about your adventures. It's so interesting and you are adding the perfect details. I'm so happy for you. Now THIS is the Alison I know...the world-wide traveler. Can't wait to read more tomorrow! - Merri
ReplyDeleteHi There! Glad things are going so well. She is just adorable. We miss you and can't wait to meet Lera!
ReplyDeleteI have that same fleece for Sasha (the striped one) and it's my absolute favorite! It's amazing to consider how these little lives are being turned upside down - for the better, to be sure, but it's no easy transition!
ReplyDeleteRuss and Ali, She is even more beautiful than I pictured. How little and honest she is. I wanted to see the picture of Russ with the pants on his head also. It seems like she is becoming part of the family now. The expressions on Aidan and Krissy's face when they were skyping was adorable. They are excited.
ReplyDeletePete
Just to let you know Mom had tears running down her cheeks as she watched and listened to me read your adventure. Very touching!!!
ReplyDeletePete
You both should be so proud of yourselves. What sacrifices you have made to get there and give Lera a chance at a wonderful life with your family and our larger family. We will welcome her with open arms. She is absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to hug her! I'm hope all works out the way you planned. Looking forward to seeing you both back home too.
ReplyDeleteAlison here - thanks all, for checking in on our adventure, and for your kind words. We enjoy our lunch break even more, reading your comments on the blog. And, I will TRY to get a photo of Russ with the baby-doll pants on his head.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing aidan and Krissy on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteLove reading your blog everyday. . .brings tears . . . such a beautiful thing you are doing!