Independence Day! Our first day with Laura
July 4, 2010
Day 2- July 5, 2010
Neat watch, Papa!
- Glad to see Mama
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| Glad to see Mama |
Day 3- July 6, 2010
This was really the first day that Laura opened up to us. To this point, everything was sort of surreal (and maybe the jet lag was still kicking our butts!) But, man, did she love the bubbles. We changed her clothes and put on the special outfit that Memere bought her, and we just fell in love with her all over again. What a special girl!
Day 4 – July 7th: Acknowledgement papers today!
I think the papers were acknowledging we have been provided information on Laura’s medical history as well as recommendations for further care, based on the diagnosis. Nothing new, basically still just that she needs to be evaluated for her leg, as well as “speech therapy”…we know she just needs a family to focus on her, and she’s sure to blossom. Every day she surprises us more with her ability to get around, her curiosity, and her intelligence. She is VERY persistent if she wants something…in a good way!
Today was a little overcast and windy – big change from the heat since we arrived on Sunday! Laura had to put on her yellow sweater and knit pants before we could go outside. She loves to go outside. We tooled around the baby house in search of an open spot with a table so Laura could put a puzzle together. She seems very analytical and loved the puzzle. Crafty little girl! We also read the epic tale of canine mischief, Finding Blue (featuring Blue and his adult side-kick, Steve, of the critically acclaimed “Blue’s Clues” television series.) In the afternoon, we went outside to the play area with a slide. She climbed the stairs and slid down that slide for 45 minutes…over and over…giggling the whole time. “Again Papa!” She made sure to tell us, “Come back tomorrow!” (in russian) when the visit was over. I think we’ll go back!
Day 6- July 9 Passport photo trip
Today, it was raining early in the morning so we had to stay inside. Luckily we had found a neat dollhouse at a toy store the day before. Laura enjoyed arranging the furniture. Later, all three of us got to go with the interpreter (and our German friends with their son) to the photo place near the baby house for the kids’ passport photographs. Laura was wearing an outfit that her Memere got for her. (Yes, pink with flowers. This is expected to be a recurrent theme.) After we got back, you guessed it…40 minutes of going down the slide! “Again Papa”…
Day 7 - July 10 Intoducing the Princessa
Rainy again last night, so stuck inside this morning…yes, she has the attention span of a three year old (surprise!) Laura really enjoyed the Princess Crown, “spasibo Ms Rita”, as well as the punchballs. Three balloons = “I want three balloons!” Apparently she is bonding well and a good fit for our family, which we are now seeing in her stubborn and bossy attitude! In a good way, of course? For our afternoon visit, “Mama Ula” AKA “Mama Grumpy” (the strict caregiver) did not want Laura going out into the sunny afternoon because of her cough, so we played hide-and-seek in the hallway, plus more “Balloon Fun”!
Day 8 - July 11th : Just one visit on Sunday :(
Today, it was raining early in the morning so we had to stay inside. Luckily we had found a neat dollhouse at a toy store the day before. Laura enjoyed arranging the furniture. Later, all three of us got to go with the interpreter (and our German friends with their son) to the photo place near the baby house for the kids’ passport photographs. Laura was wearing an outfit that her Memere got for her. (Yes, pink with flowers. This is expected to be a recurrent theme.) After we got back, you guessed it…40 minutes of going down the slide! “Again Papa”…
Day 7 - July 10 Intoducing the Princessa
Rainy again last night, so stuck inside this morning…yes, she has the attention span of a three year old (surprise!) Laura really enjoyed the Princess Crown, “spasibo Ms Rita”, as well as the punchballs. Three balloons = “I want three balloons!” Apparently she is bonding well and a good fit for our family, which we are now seeing in her stubborn and bossy attitude! In a good way, of course? For our afternoon visit, “Mama Ula” AKA “Mama Grumpy” (the strict caregiver) did not want Laura going out into the sunny afternoon because of her cough, so we played hide-and-seek in the hallway, plus more “Balloon Fun”!
Day 8 - July 11th : Just one visit on Sunday :(
Sundays mean only a morning visit. Amy and I miss going to church but seeing Laura makes up for it for now (thank you, God!) This morning, we spent the whole time outside sliding…sliding…sliding! In the afternoon, Mama and Papa went sight-seeing with our new German friends, who are also adopting. Conversations in English, German and Russian…very confusing! Will post some photos and vids from that trip (including a cow sitting in the road) later when we can upload. Kazakhstan is a VERY interesting place.
Day 9 - July 12th : Takin’ care of business.
Day 9 - July 12th : Takin’ care of business.
Today is sort of “getting into the groove” day. We met with the regional coordinator at the hotel to sign some MORE papers; spent the morning visiting with Laura; dropped off laundry (much needed, BTW); but also tripped through the bazaar a block or two from our hotel. Amy was in heaven sorting through all the clothes looking for special outfits for Laura. In the afternoon, we did go to the tax office to pick up our tax ID number forms (?) and then see Laura again. Finally some photos! Notice Laura’s new Barbie sweater..tres chic!
Day 10 - July 13th: Indoors fun
Sorry fans! Catching up after several days of poor internet in the hotel (plus one day without power…) Another rainy day which meant indoors both in the morning and afternoon. Thank goodness for coloring books, new outfits (thanks to a trip to the bazaar) and those tired punch balloons which served us well. Check out the movie for some exciting and dangerous fun RE: balloons…if you dare…hee hee!
Day 10 - July 13th: Indoors fun
Sorry fans! Catching up after several days of poor internet in the hotel (plus one day without power…) Another rainy day which meant indoors both in the morning and afternoon. Thank goodness for coloring books, new outfits (thanks to a trip to the bazaar) and those tired punch balloons which served us well. Check out the movie for some exciting and dangerous fun RE: balloons…if you dare…hee hee!
