So then after we lose our shoes at the door and sign the log book to show that we actually come for our bonding time so we can show it in court, we head up to our guy's Group room (which I don't believe we are allowed to photograph but I'll ask). We get his stuff out of his locker (his has a ladybug on it)- we keep toys, clothes, bottle, pacifier, diapers, wipes, Bjorn in there. They are usually in the process if waking/feeding him and the others and so we wait until they are done, change and dress him, and head to the visiting room with the other 3 couples. There are tons of big toys in there that we use to play with him and we also have a bagful of our own that we have brought from home and bought here (although holy smokes are they expensive here- $90 for a Chico drum toy that would be $25 at home. Unbelievable). Then we lay down these foam mats that prevent many a head bump on the hard floor, lay down our puke blanket, and just play to our hearts' content. Of course we have also had the chance to put that Bjorn of Mer's to good use strolling outside twice now and we may see if they will eventually trust us enough to put down a blanket (oohaah) and play outside for a while one day. I don't even know what our guy would do- probably be in awe. I have however seen the caretakers bring the other kids who are in his group but not being visited by anyone out to play outside with the older kids. They have these outdoor covered playpens which is nice. At least they get some fresh air. Here are some photos of the visiting room.
And while I am on that topic, someone asked about the other kids at the BH (baby house). The baby house in Astana is actually a 'special needs' house. The first lady of Kaz is very into the care of children and so she pays close attention to what goes on there. All of the kids who are older than, say, a year are all special needs. I guess all of the others get adopted. I have seen kids with Downs, CP, autism, physical deformities, etc. I asked Gulsanna if they would ever be adopted and of course she said no. But I have to say that I see them treated very well here. The BH seems to me to be more of a daycare kind of atmosphere rather than what you think of as an orphanage. All of the other kids in our son's Group- the others that he eats, sleeps, plays with- are around the same age and I know some of them are being adopted already and some are just waiting- maybe they were given up later than birth and are just waiting until the 6 months is up. But they are all really well taken care of and you can tell that the caretakers adore them. I never pass anyone in the hall as I carry him around who doesn't stop to say sweet little baby talk to him. Of course they are saying it in Russian so for all I know, they could be calling him a little puker. But he seems to like it anyway. OK this post is getting really long so I'll let you all go now. Have a good Tuesday! -m
9 comments:
So that playroom might actually be tidier than your basement..haha. love the trike parking zone.
Cool toys in the visiting room - looks like fun!! Thanks so much for sharing all this with us - we love it!! Can't wait to hear more about the little Leggett!
So much for no big plastic toys in the Leggett household...the first of many words you will be eating as you sail into parenthood! Give babycakes a great big smooch for me! Love, Geri
How many kids older than "Our Boy" at the baby house? Ditto on the trike parking zone. love it!
What a great atmosphere..and he seems to a flourishing...I think Mere is reight the whole place is cleaner then your basement and your yard will look like the trike parking lot soon enough....
Wow -- the BH is terrific. Thanks for sending the photos...do they let the other kids play on the visiting room toys? They look like fun things...
Saw Massie out and about last night and gave him some lovin'. He says hi.
xoJen M.
We were there last summer in May/June and they planted lots of flowers for Children's Day in the cinder blocks (pretty creative): http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5181/1742/1600/orphange%20flowers%202.jpg
One Sunday a group of us did some yardwork and had the pleasure of moving a pile of sand, which they call dirt, on the front playground: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5181/1742/1600/slide%20after%202.jpg
We asked them for a lawnmower so we could mow, but without a translator that day, we could not use our phrase book to get the message across. "Machine" + "Eat" + "Grass" did not work. Later we saw a lawn mower and realized gas was too expensive for those crazy Americans to waste.
Yard Work Sunday is a nice way to sneak an extra peak at the kids. We were not allowed in, but they did hold the kids UP TO (not OUT OF) the window for us to see. We brought a water mellow and gave the nurses the extra, and they were appreciative.
It took about 3 weeks of negotiations with translators and the director to explain we wanted to spend Sunday working on their yard.
Little Puker!! That is a great nickname!! Maren, if only we had thought of that nickname for you when we were in India. Or Cambodia. I DO feel sorry for you always being the one who gets to be the official puker on our trips...but hey, at least you never got scabies.
Anyway, keep the news and photos coming!! Maybe an elbow next??
Happy Birthday to Peter!
Did he get to eat PIE?
XO
Liz
I LOVE reading all that you have written about the details of your son (as much as you can mention), the town and all that you are doing each day. I just sat down with Brian and caught him up on your past few postings...we are both in awe of what you are going through, and we love your son already (even without full pictures or a full name)! When I hold Barrett, I just picture you all doing the same thing with your little one!!!
Brian invites you to send your son out to Cali for summer surf lessons...you can send Peter too, and I will teach him to horseback ride!
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