The Baby House

Hi all- Today our guy was a Lucky Chimp. Don't know where that onesie came from. And, by the way, Peter has told me we need to buy some twosies. Try to find that one in the dictionary- it does make sense though since he is referring to a top and bottom set. So someone was asking about the place where we go everyday to see our little sweetie so I thought I would share some details about the Baby House (aka orphanage). I mean, our day does revolve around this place and it is the first home that our guy knows. So anyway, it is about a 10 minute drive from our apartment off of a busy road, behind a lowrise run down apartment building. But as soon as you pull into the drive, you can see how much pride they take in the baby house. Not that they are overly excited about mowing (the weeds are knee high), but there are little petunias planted along the drive and some nice playground equipment in the four different little play areas. And they have planted beautiful aspen trees around the play area too. But the cutest is the stroller parking lot and the lineup of tricycles next to the front door. And we definitely see them get put to good use by the kids here. Below are some photos of the outside.

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