Today, we went with our attorney and stopped by the court to check on an appointment. We didn't get the news we were hoping to hear. The court will not issue any new appointments until this Thursday and we won't have a court date before Monday. It wasn't what we wanted to hear, but there's not much we can do about it. We'll wait for Thursday and see how things unfold then.
Each day we arrive, the girls seem happier to see us. We are greeted with giggles and smiles each morning. We're getting used to our routine in the little entry way.
Shawna even made a few new sounds that I hadn't heard before. I was getting a notebook and pen from my purse and I heard something. I looked over at Shawna and she was holding her arms up for me to pick her up! Made my day! When I picked her up, she gave me a big, hearty giggle! She just loves to be held.
Lindsay was happy with Daddy singing to her! She gets so focused and listens so intently when he's singing songs. It's really sweet to watch! Today she seemed to be singing along with him. She was trying to make sounds and nodding her head with him.
The doctor came by and I was able to ask a few more questions about their medical information. They shared much of their health information when we met the girls. But today, I was able to write much of it down so that I can relay this information to our pediatrician and medical providers when we get home.
Our visit went by quickly today. On the way back to our apartment, I got a call from our friend Brenda. She was calling to invite us to the evening prayer service at church tonight. I guess the Lord new we needed some good fellowship and prayer tonight. The music and the message were just what we needed.
It's late so I'm off to bed. I'll add pictures into the post, tomorrow.
Paka! And dobre noche (good night)!
Carrie
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 31 - Another Christmas Treat
We returned to our daily visits to the orphanage. The weather is still rainy and wet.
The girls were glad to see us after our weekend rest and recovery time. We are both feeling much better and are beating whatever bug was trying to get us down.
When we came in, the nannies asked us to wait a minute. A few minutes later, they invited us again into the groupa room and we sat on the couch. All the kids were sitting in the chairs again, obviously waiting for something to happen. We were about to be treated to another little Christmas treat for the kids.
A lady came in that we had recognized as the piano player at the puppet show last week. Then an Orthodox Priest came in and addressed the group as we were waiting. Then our players came into the room. They presented a cute little skit of sheep, a shepherd and a wolf. Unfortunately, we couldn't understand the words, but the kids did a great job. They ended the play with a hearty, "Slava Bogu!" which means, "Praise God!" Then our budding thespians handed out a small package of cookies to each child.
We continued our visit in the entry way. We were told the kids could have only one of the cookies so they wouldn't spoil their lunch or get overwhelmed by the sugar. Lindsay was intensely interested in the package of cookies. Knowing her, she would have devoured the cookies in record time. Shawna doesn't eat any hard foods, so we decided to offer them both a piece of banana, first. Once they finished those, then we let Lindsay eat one of the cookies. She loved it! I think she'll probably eat just about anything we'd offer her. :)
Afterward, we noticed that Lindsay's diaper was full and was heavy in her pants. I took her back over to the groupa room to ask the nannies about changing her diaper. As the nanny took Lindsay from my arms, Lindsay started crying and was reaching back for me. Poor girl. I think she thought I was going taking her back so we could leave. We weren't leaving. It wasn't even close to lunch time, yet. She was not happy. I offered to change her diaper, but they insisted, and indicated they'd bring her back to me. I heard her crying the whole time, even if it was only a matter of minutes. When she came back, Lindsay had big tears running down her cheeks. Once she saw we were still there, and that Shawna was, too, she settled down and was back to her cheerful self.
We were happy to see that she showed some preference for staying with us. It also showed us that she understood the concept of what time it was and that it wasn't time that we should be leaving yet. Once lunchtime came around, she was ready to go eat, but she showed a little hesitation in going back to her room.
Overall, it was a very good visit. Tomorrow (Tuesday) our attorney will go to the court to see about an appointment for our hearing. She'll also help us meet again with the doctor to ask a few more questions about their health history so we can make notes to share with our pediatrician when we get them home.
The girls were glad to see us after our weekend rest and recovery time. We are both feeling much better and are beating whatever bug was trying to get us down.
When we came in, the nannies asked us to wait a minute. A few minutes later, they invited us again into the groupa room and we sat on the couch. All the kids were sitting in the chairs again, obviously waiting for something to happen. We were about to be treated to another little Christmas treat for the kids.
A lady came in that we had recognized as the piano player at the puppet show last week. Then an Orthodox Priest came in and addressed the group as we were waiting. Then our players came into the room. They presented a cute little skit of sheep, a shepherd and a wolf. Unfortunately, we couldn't understand the words, but the kids did a great job. They ended the play with a hearty, "Slava Bogu!" which means, "Praise God!" Then our budding thespians handed out a small package of cookies to each child.
We continued our visit in the entry way. We were told the kids could have only one of the cookies so they wouldn't spoil their lunch or get overwhelmed by the sugar. Lindsay was intensely interested in the package of cookies. Knowing her, she would have devoured the cookies in record time. Shawna doesn't eat any hard foods, so we decided to offer them both a piece of banana, first. Once they finished those, then we let Lindsay eat one of the cookies. She loved it! I think she'll probably eat just about anything we'd offer her. :)
Afterward, we noticed that Lindsay's diaper was full and was heavy in her pants. I took her back over to the groupa room to ask the nannies about changing her diaper. As the nanny took Lindsay from my arms, Lindsay started crying and was reaching back for me. Poor girl. I think she thought I was going taking her back so we could leave. We weren't leaving. It wasn't even close to lunch time, yet. She was not happy. I offered to change her diaper, but they insisted, and indicated they'd bring her back to me. I heard her crying the whole time, even if it was only a matter of minutes. When she came back, Lindsay had big tears running down her cheeks. Once she saw we were still there, and that Shawna was, too, she settled down and was back to her cheerful self.
We were happy to see that she showed some preference for staying with us. It also showed us that she understood the concept of what time it was and that it wasn't time that we should be leaving yet. Once lunchtime came around, she was ready to go eat, but she showed a little hesitation in going back to her room.
Overall, it was a very good visit. Tomorrow (Tuesday) our attorney will go to the court to see about an appointment for our hearing. She'll also help us meet again with the doctor to ask a few more questions about their health history so we can make notes to share with our pediatrician when we get them home.
Day 30 - Monopoly
We didn't do much on Sunday. We went to church and then went over to Pastor Victor's house for dinner. We had a nice time visiting with other folks from church.
The dinner was DELICIOUS!!! We had roasted goose, mashed potatoes, homemade bread, and many other foods that I didn't know the names of, but they were delicious, too! That has been the best meal we've eaten here, hands down!
Afterward we played the Russian version of Monopoly. Now that was a hoot! The rules, playing pieces and board were all the same as the classic game we know. But all the street and railroad names were Russian versions. The Chance and Treasure Chest cards were in Russian. Pastor Victor had to interpret for us when necessary. Carrie was the first to bankrupt and Lee finished better, claiming third place.
The dinner was DELICIOUS!!! We had roasted goose, mashed potatoes, homemade bread, and many other foods that I didn't know the names of, but they were delicious, too! That has been the best meal we've eaten here, hands down!
Afterward we played the Russian version of Monopoly. Now that was a hoot! The rules, playing pieces and board were all the same as the classic game we know. But all the street and railroad names were Russian versions. The Chance and Treasure Chest cards were in Russian. Pastor Victor had to interpret for us when necessary. Carrie was the first to bankrupt and Lee finished better, claiming third place.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Day 29 - Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Today the Orthodox Church celebrates their Christmas holiday. We've already heard a number of fireworks going off around us. And I imagine we'll hear many more as the night goes on.
We stayed in today and are taking it easy. I'm feeling a little better and a little less congested. The Flonase seems to be working now. :)
Monday will be the official holiday for the government offices. Our facilitator plans to go to the court on Tuesday morning to get an appointment for our hearing. I hope to have good news to share then.
Paka!
Carrie
We stayed in today and are taking it easy. I'm feeling a little better and a little less congested. The Flonase seems to be working now. :)
Monday will be the official holiday for the government offices. Our facilitator plans to go to the court on Tuesday morning to get an appointment for our hearing. I hope to have good news to share then.
Paka!
Carrie
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 28 - It's Christmas Eve, again!
It's Christmas Eve, again! Tomorrow is the official Christmas holiday for the Orthodox Church here. We have enjoyed seeing all the Christmas decorations for a while longer than we'd normally see them back home!
The weather is warming up and has been close to 40F this week with rain and drizzle. And I packed so many extra-warm sweaters and shirts. Wishing I had brought a few lighter, long-sleeved shirts as well. Oh, well... live and learn!
We went to our regular visit again today. The girls were great, as they usually are!
We're planning to stay in and lay low this weekend. I have felt a bit of cold trying to come on, so I'm going to stay in and rest up and try to fight it off before we go back to visit on Monday.
Hoping for our court appointment to be one day next week, preferably Tuesday or Wednesday. Would you please pray for us that we will get word soon on our appointment? Thanks!
Paka, paka!
Carrie
The weather is warming up and has been close to 40F this week with rain and drizzle. And I packed so many extra-warm sweaters and shirts. Wishing I had brought a few lighter, long-sleeved shirts as well. Oh, well... live and learn!
We went to our regular visit again today. The girls were great, as they usually are!
We're planning to stay in and lay low this weekend. I have felt a bit of cold trying to come on, so I'm going to stay in and rest up and try to fight it off before we go back to visit on Monday.
Hoping for our court appointment to be one day next week, preferably Tuesday or Wednesday. Would you please pray for us that we will get word soon on our appointment? Thanks!
Paka, paka!
Carrie
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Days 26 & 27 -
Day 27 - Thursday - A Puppet Show
Today we arrived and things were a bit different. There weren't very many kids in the room when we arrived. They brought Lindsay and Shawna out right away - we didn't have to wait for diaper changes or getting them dressed. We visited in our usual place for a little bit when a couple of women came in the front door with something that looked like a backdrop for a show or something. Then a couple of other ladies came in that we haven't seen before. A bit later, we heard someone playing "Somewhere My Love" on the piano in the room. The girls were immediately drawn to the music!
It wasn't much longer before they brought all of the kids from the other groupa room into the room with the backdrop. We were also invited in and we took seats in the back. It was a puppet show they were doing for Christmas (Orthodox). The play was cute and the piano player was also the narrator. Unfortunately, we don't understand much Russian, but the kids loved the little puppet show. I was in heaven because I could finally see some of the sweet little faces that we can only catch glimpses of when doors open and close.
Lindsay was not interested in picture taking today, so this is the best one we were able to catch.
After it was over, we went back to our little room to continue playing. Today, we brought a 1/4 of a banana for each of the girls. Lindsay dove right in ate her piece quickly. Lee gave her one small animal cracker after that. We're learning that she will quickly scarf any food you give her. When we finally get home, we'll have to work on getting her to eat slower. Shawna wasn't too sure at first and turned her face away. I was able to put a little taste on her lips and that got her attention. I gave her little bites at a time and she ate the whole piece, too. It was sweet to see her licking her lips and smiling between bites! We're told she won't eat any hard foods so we didn't offer her any cookies.
The girls seemed a little more relaxed after we offered them a snack. Usually, Lindsay is so hungry by the end of our visit, that when the ladies come in with lunch that she is ready to leave us and head to the table. Today she was content and took a few minutes more to spend with us before she had to go back to the room.
Day 26 - Wednesday
Lindsay seems so hungry toward the end of our visit. We brought a banana and a little bag of animal crackers for a snack. When Lindsay saw that we had food she was determined to get at it. Daddy offered her a cookie and I think she only chewed two times and swallowed it fast! We didn't want to give her too much so she wouldn't spoil her appetite for lunch. But that girl was determined to have more. Instead of giving her more cookies, he gave her about 1/4 of a banana. He gave it to her in small pieces so she wouldn't eat it in one bite. When it was finished, she still wanted more. He showed her the peel, and she had to keep checking it over and over again to make sure that it was all gone. I felt so bad for her to know that she is so hungry. She kept looking around for the bag that had the cookies. Eventually, she settled down and played with the lighted wand for a while.
Shawna was her usual sweet, quiet self. She seems to be more relaxed and is beginning to initiate more. I was sitting beside her on the little bench and I was talking to her when she reached her arms up so that I would pick her up. When I picked her up, she wrapped her arms around my neck and put her head on my shoulder....Warmed my heart! She's definitely a snuggle-bug!
Today we arrived and things were a bit different. There weren't very many kids in the room when we arrived. They brought Lindsay and Shawna out right away - we didn't have to wait for diaper changes or getting them dressed. We visited in our usual place for a little bit when a couple of women came in the front door with something that looked like a backdrop for a show or something. Then a couple of other ladies came in that we haven't seen before. A bit later, we heard someone playing "Somewhere My Love" on the piano in the room. The girls were immediately drawn to the music!
It wasn't much longer before they brought all of the kids from the other groupa room into the room with the backdrop. We were also invited in and we took seats in the back. It was a puppet show they were doing for Christmas (Orthodox). The play was cute and the piano player was also the narrator. Unfortunately, we don't understand much Russian, but the kids loved the little puppet show. I was in heaven because I could finally see some of the sweet little faces that we can only catch glimpses of when doors open and close.
 | |
| Holiday Puppet Show |
 |
| Lindsay and Shawna with their gift. |
After it was over, we went back to our little room to continue playing. Today, we brought a 1/4 of a banana for each of the girls. Lindsay dove right in ate her piece quickly. Lee gave her one small animal cracker after that. We're learning that she will quickly scarf any food you give her. When we finally get home, we'll have to work on getting her to eat slower. Shawna wasn't too sure at first and turned her face away. I was able to put a little taste on her lips and that got her attention. I gave her little bites at a time and she ate the whole piece, too. It was sweet to see her licking her lips and smiling between bites! We're told she won't eat any hard foods so we didn't offer her any cookies.
 |
| Shawna - Miss Photogenic! |
The girls seemed a little more relaxed after we offered them a snack. Usually, Lindsay is so hungry by the end of our visit, that when the ladies come in with lunch that she is ready to leave us and head to the table. Today she was content and took a few minutes more to spend with us before she had to go back to the room.
Day 26 - Wednesday
Lindsay seems so hungry toward the end of our visit. We brought a banana and a little bag of animal crackers for a snack. When Lindsay saw that we had food she was determined to get at it. Daddy offered her a cookie and I think she only chewed two times and swallowed it fast! We didn't want to give her too much so she wouldn't spoil her appetite for lunch. But that girl was determined to have more. Instead of giving her more cookies, he gave her about 1/4 of a banana. He gave it to her in small pieces so she wouldn't eat it in one bite. When it was finished, she still wanted more. He showed her the peel, and she had to keep checking it over and over again to make sure that it was all gone. I felt so bad for her to know that she is so hungry. She kept looking around for the bag that had the cookies. Eventually, she settled down and played with the lighted wand for a while.
Shawna was her usual sweet, quiet self. She seems to be more relaxed and is beginning to initiate more. I was sitting beside her on the little bench and I was talking to her when she reached her arms up so that I would pick her up. When I picked her up, she wrapped her arms around my neck and put her head on my shoulder....Warmed my heart! She's definitely a snuggle-bug!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Day 25 - Snowing Again
I finally updated our ticker so you can see just how far our little ladybug is moving! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to our journey to bring our new girls home. We truly appreciate each and every gift you have shared with us!!!
The morning started off sunny, but soon changed to cloudy. While we were inside visiting the girls, it began snowing outside. By the time we left, 2 hours later, there was a light blanket of snow on the ground. It was so pretty. But by late evening, the rain began falling and turning the snow into slush on the sidewalks. Should make for an interesting day tomorrow. Not sure if it's going to be wet or icy when we wake up.
We had a great day again at our visit with the girls. Unfortunately, we did not get any good pictures to share today.
I got Shawna to get up and walk a little for me this morning. She would giggle and laugh while I was holding her hands and getting her to take steps toward me. She would reach out and fall into my arms with the biggest smile on her face!
Lee was counting to 5 in Russian today with Lindsay. She was very intent as she watched his face and seemed to listen carefully to him. She even seemed like she was nodding her head as he was saying each number. It was as if she was trying to say it along with him! Even the nanny was smiling big when she saw Lindsay following along with him. I think she's a little smart cookie! Later she was even copying Lee when he was tapping his fingers on the table.
I saw Lindsay get up from a seated position on the floor into a standing position all by herself. She also likes to climb up into the big chair by herself. Even though she's so thin, she's pretty strong.
Through friends, we were able to find a new driver that will cost a little less than the other drivers we were using to take us to the orphanage every day. His English is pretty good, too. This will help us keep some of the expenses down since our trip is taking a little longer.
Our hearts go out for the other little ones that we have been able to see while we are here. There is one little girl who keeps slipping out of her room and tries to come out to play with us in the little entry room. I'm not sure why she's there. She doesn't appear to have any physical or cognitive delays. She looks like a typical 5-yr-old. Then there is a beautiful little boy with bright blonde hair who has Down syndrome. Probably about 2yrs old at most. Oh, how I would love to give him a few hugs! He was watching us and smiling at us today. Melted my heart.... I wish all of these kids could have the mamas and daddies that they need.
Off to bed!
Paka!
The morning started off sunny, but soon changed to cloudy. While we were inside visiting the girls, it began snowing outside. By the time we left, 2 hours later, there was a light blanket of snow on the ground. It was so pretty. But by late evening, the rain began falling and turning the snow into slush on the sidewalks. Should make for an interesting day tomorrow. Not sure if it's going to be wet or icy when we wake up.
We had a great day again at our visit with the girls. Unfortunately, we did not get any good pictures to share today.
I got Shawna to get up and walk a little for me this morning. She would giggle and laugh while I was holding her hands and getting her to take steps toward me. She would reach out and fall into my arms with the biggest smile on her face!
Lee was counting to 5 in Russian today with Lindsay. She was very intent as she watched his face and seemed to listen carefully to him. She even seemed like she was nodding her head as he was saying each number. It was as if she was trying to say it along with him! Even the nanny was smiling big when she saw Lindsay following along with him. I think she's a little smart cookie! Later she was even copying Lee when he was tapping his fingers on the table.
I saw Lindsay get up from a seated position on the floor into a standing position all by herself. She also likes to climb up into the big chair by herself. Even though she's so thin, she's pretty strong.
Through friends, we were able to find a new driver that will cost a little less than the other drivers we were using to take us to the orphanage every day. His English is pretty good, too. This will help us keep some of the expenses down since our trip is taking a little longer.
Our hearts go out for the other little ones that we have been able to see while we are here. There is one little girl who keeps slipping out of her room and tries to come out to play with us in the little entry room. I'm not sure why she's there. She doesn't appear to have any physical or cognitive delays. She looks like a typical 5-yr-old. Then there is a beautiful little boy with bright blonde hair who has Down syndrome. Probably about 2yrs old at most. Oh, how I would love to give him a few hugs! He was watching us and smiling at us today. Melted my heart.... I wish all of these kids could have the mamas and daddies that they need.
Off to bed!
Paka!
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