Trip #2 - Adjusting in Almaty

So - if one had to invent a crash course in bonding with a toddler, I think 3 days in Almaty would be just about perfect. A mix of indoor "nesting" time (in our nice apartment, to practice our new daily and nightly routines) and outdoor "adventures" (trips to grocery store, doctor office, law firm, US Embassy, and a mini-picnic in a pretty park). Lera was wide-eyed and clingy the whole time, which gave lots of opportunities to build trust and kiss her cute chubby little cheeks.

"Wish I had a nickel" for every time Heather and I expressed our awe at how great the girls did. They were fascinated by every little thing in the apartment (the TV elicited shrieks of excitement!) and had a blast just running around in nothing but their diapers. (We doubt they got to do that at the baby house!) Our three-day naked baby party

Lera's daily schedule is definitely ingrained. Twice, I saw her go sit at the kitchen table of her own accord, and wait patiently....right at her usual snack time!

Bedtime went fine - she was tired at the end of the day. The first day's nap went fine, too, but the next day, naptime was a test of wills. She wanted to stay up and play! That was pretty much the only time she really cried - she also cried at the doctor appointment, but that was out of fear. Once someone explained in Russian that nothing would hurt, she settled a little.

I was also pleased to see that she seemed to realize early on, that I was her "safe haven," so to speak. Even having fun in the apartment, she was good to "check in" with me every few minutes. And during a couple of our appointments, when another adult told her to come with them (e.g. the nurse at the medical clinic, an assistant at the law firm) - she refused, until I made it clear it was okay and that I'd be nearby. [These are big things with an adopted kid, I think!]

Now - fair warning - don't read this next part if you can't take pure schmaltz. After a few poignant moments on this trip, I wrote the following thoughts in the middle of our first night together - while admittedly in a state of shock and awe, jet lag and sleep deprivation:

"On the plane tonight, she climbed up in my lap and rested her head on my shoulder for a long time - for the first time! (She was generally so busy at the baby house.) It seemed like she was letting herself relax, feel cared for and protected, and enjoy just being - well - mothered. I sensed that I was witnessing an important moment, and I felt so privileged. It was one of the best feelings in the world. And as I was hugging her, I realized that Russ, our family and friends back home were also with us in that moment, 'hugging' her too - as this wouldn't have happened without them."

"I am so proud of Lera, sleeping so well in this strange place. When she moves or sighs, I reach out to her, and a few times she has squeezed my hand. Once, she opened her eyes, registered my face, and just smiled. I hope I never forget that look in her eyes."

On the plane... her first sippy cup


Our bedtime routine - a little light reading