Last week I took Oliver to the international adoption clinic at children's mercy hospital to get a check up or maybe it should be called a check in, since he just got here. Oliver is a whopping 23 pounds and stands 30 inches tall, just sneaking his way into the 3rd percentile on the growth charts. When he was done getting measured we moved onto exam room #1.
I hate waiting in the exam room, even when I'm alone. Don't bring me back unless you are ready to see me. Oliver remains fairly easy to entertain so we passed the 20 minutes by turning the lights on and off, spinning the stool, hiding in the corner, playing the in sink water, and listening to the paper on the exam table crunch when it's crawled upon. Yes, I bring toys in my bag but toys are not nearly as fun as exam room #1. The doctor comes in and Oliver sits on my lap acting cute. He stays cute until the appropriate time to start crying, when the doctor wants him undressed so he can look him over. That's done, dressed and cute again. Nurse comes in to do a TB test. I make them hold him, he screams, they finish and he stops. We go down to the lab so he can have some blood removed. Again I make them hold him, they comment on how strong he is, and some how they manage to steal 5 viles of blood, so they can test for everything under the sun.
Same afternoon when Jim gets home from work he says how is Oliver's TB test. I tell him how everything went and then we look at Oliver's arm. Oh gosh, that thing is huge (quarter sized) with a darker red spot in the middle and it's puffy and hard. Oh my. The weekend passes and it remains about the same. We go back to the doctor to have it read this morning. I say "if that's not positive I don't know what is" I'm right. Off we go to radiology for a chest X-ray to hopefully deny actually having TB. If Oliver doesn't have TB he has to take some pill for the next 9 months. If he does have signs of TB, well that's some other story with a number of medications. Hopefully the blood tests won't reveal any surprises.
Monday, February 28
Saturday, February 26
fear to phelps
Oliver thinks any time we enter the bathroom should be time to take a bath. Sometimes I have to move the potty to the hall way or his bedroom just so he will sit down for a few minutes. It's hard to undress him to get in the tub because he is already busy trying to swing his leg over the side.
So I figure if you think the tub is so great let's try the pool. I did some research and found a lovely indoor pool with a zero depth entrance at the Matt Ross community center in Overland Park. Not being sure if this will be fun or torture I'm a little nervous. Jim works on Saturdays, so we are going at it alone. It is $7 each, which if he loves it is worth it, if he is terrified it is kind of a waste...
We get to running our annoying errands; post office, bank, swim diapers from target, then head to the pool. The community center has a family changing room with spacious and private places to change and go to the bathroom. I'm already in love since I'm a huge fan of privacy especially when changing! We get our winter white selves into our bathing suites. Oh my goodness he is so cute in his little swim trunks, but we are at the pool and I'm alone so no photos. We open the door to the pool area and it's like a rain forest in there. Hot and humid and kind of nice. He is all pointing and excited about the splashing water.
I stand him up near the edge and show him how I can splash my foot in the water. He just looks at me like "you've got to be kidding me, I'm not ready for this" I pick him up and walk in. The deepest this pool is, is about 3 feet 4 inches...nothing too heroic. I could have let him go and he would have been fine, that's how hard he was clinging to me. No crying or pouting just clinging. The pool area has a small lazy river. I grab a noodle and we bob around the lazy river. After about 10 laps he starts putting his hands out and splashing. Loosening his grip on me he starts kicking his legs.
After about 30 minutes at the pool he has transformed from cling-on to wanting to jump off the side into the water with the "big kids" (3 year olds) After jumping in he likes me to hold his middle while he lays on his belly and kicking his feet and splashing his arms. He gets his face wet, he leans his head back in the water, he even braves touching the spraying water, but all he really wants to do is jump of the side. There is a woman holding her, what looks like a two and a half year old, telling him to look at the baby (Oliver) who is jumping into the pool. She says "look if he can do it you can." I just think, 19 days ago I turned on the shower to suggest bathing and he ran screaming and crying from the room. We bathed together with our clothes on for a number of days. Now he is a little swimmer.
After our workout we went to Panera for a cup of soup and a sandwich. Oliver sat like a nice young man, not moving from his spot. There is not messing around when food is involved, he saves his crazy for non food related events like the shopping cart at target. He enjoyed the baked potato soup, the hunk for french baguette and the turkey sandwich.
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P.S. Did you see his referral photos on the side --->
How could we ever have said no
So I figure if you think the tub is so great let's try the pool. I did some research and found a lovely indoor pool with a zero depth entrance at the Matt Ross community center in Overland Park. Not being sure if this will be fun or torture I'm a little nervous. Jim works on Saturdays, so we are going at it alone. It is $7 each, which if he loves it is worth it, if he is terrified it is kind of a waste...
We get to running our annoying errands; post office, bank, swim diapers from target, then head to the pool. The community center has a family changing room with spacious and private places to change and go to the bathroom. I'm already in love since I'm a huge fan of privacy especially when changing! We get our winter white selves into our bathing suites. Oh my goodness he is so cute in his little swim trunks, but we are at the pool and I'm alone so no photos. We open the door to the pool area and it's like a rain forest in there. Hot and humid and kind of nice. He is all pointing and excited about the splashing water.
I stand him up near the edge and show him how I can splash my foot in the water. He just looks at me like "you've got to be kidding me, I'm not ready for this" I pick him up and walk in. The deepest this pool is, is about 3 feet 4 inches...nothing too heroic. I could have let him go and he would have been fine, that's how hard he was clinging to me. No crying or pouting just clinging. The pool area has a small lazy river. I grab a noodle and we bob around the lazy river. After about 10 laps he starts putting his hands out and splashing. Loosening his grip on me he starts kicking his legs.
After about 30 minutes at the pool he has transformed from cling-on to wanting to jump off the side into the water with the "big kids" (3 year olds) After jumping in he likes me to hold his middle while he lays on his belly and kicking his feet and splashing his arms. He gets his face wet, he leans his head back in the water, he even braves touching the spraying water, but all he really wants to do is jump of the side. There is a woman holding her, what looks like a two and a half year old, telling him to look at the baby (Oliver) who is jumping into the pool. She says "look if he can do it you can." I just think, 19 days ago I turned on the shower to suggest bathing and he ran screaming and crying from the room. We bathed together with our clothes on for a number of days. Now he is a little swimmer.
After our workout we went to Panera for a cup of soup and a sandwich. Oliver sat like a nice young man, not moving from his spot. There is not messing around when food is involved, he saves his crazy for non food related events like the shopping cart at target. He enjoyed the baked potato soup, the hunk for french baguette and the turkey sandwich.
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P.S. Did you see his referral photos on the side --->
How could we ever have said no
Tuesday, February 22
adventures at home
getting ready for the parkpark-
Oliver is lacking vitamin D according to the orphanage, so we spend plenty of time outside soaking up the sun at the park. Since it's the middle of the day no one else is at that park giving us plenty of time and space to explore it. Today Oliver discovered the joy of the slide and it only took about 8 practices to show him that walking over the the stairs is actually faster than attempting to climb back up the twisty slide.
words-
Oliver doesn't say many "real" words, just babbles. When we visited him at the orphanage he never make a sound, none at all so we are happy to hear his little voice. The one word he does say and uses in proper context is "whoa" He says it when he is pointing at birds in the feeder, or cars going by, or shadows that he finds surprising. When he says whoa he makes this face that I can't capture on film (yet). At first I thought it was an "I'm scared and going to cry face" but it's not. It's a wide eyed mouth in the shape of an O kind of face, and it's totally my favorite. He also says "papa" but I think he uses it to describe any man. This morning while we were making oatmeal he said "papa" while pointing to the quaker oat guy....
Oliver follows simple directions like sit down, stand up, no, yes, come here, go get it, and look. He has a pretty high success rate when it comes to pointing to eyes and nose on people and the owl. The owl's eyes are so huge though, so the odds of getting that right are elevated.
words-
Oliver doesn't say many "real" words, just babbles. When we visited him at the orphanage he never make a sound, none at all so we are happy to hear his little voice. The one word he does say and uses in proper context is "whoa" He says it when he is pointing at birds in the feeder, or cars going by, or shadows that he finds surprising. When he says whoa he makes this face that I can't capture on film (yet). At first I thought it was an "I'm scared and going to cry face" but it's not. It's a wide eyed mouth in the shape of an O kind of face, and it's totally my favorite. He also says "papa" but I think he uses it to describe any man. This morning while we were making oatmeal he said "papa" while pointing to the quaker oat guy....
Oliver follows simple directions like sit down, stand up, no, yes, come here, go get it, and look. He has a pretty high success rate when it comes to pointing to eyes and nose on people and the owl. The owl's eyes are so huge though, so the odds of getting that right are elevated.
At first Oliver would pack in as much food as possible then attempt to chew, that was not working. Jim and I have to make exaggerated chewing motions to remind him that chewing is the good choice, he seems to be understanding it. Oliver enjoys eating, and we have yet to find a food he won't eat. Breakfast is usually scrambled eggs and oatmeal or cream of wheat with some baby food fruit mixed in. Organic Stonyfield Farm whole milk yogurt drink seems to be his favorite snack or regular whole milk yogurt or fruit. For dinner he has tried and enjoyed roasted chicken and scalloped potatoes, spinach squares, chicken pot pie, chicken salad, various vegetables, pasta, and curry. For lunch we always eat leftovers from the previous nights dinner.
Because my secret dream is to raise a child that would love to cook I do a lot of cooking with him in the ergo or sitting on the counter. He likes throwing stuff into the mixing bowl or into the pan and, like me, he especially loves the kitchen aid. What he does not love is that everything baked gets shipped off. He got lucky today, I needed to make 9 dozen cowboy cookies and ended up with 9 dozen and 1.
crackers & hummus
applesauce
water
bakingcloth diapers-
tub time-
He can't get his clothes off fast enough! Today after I washed his hair he used the wash cloth to scrub himself off. He plays until he is too chilly then stands up and motions to get out.
mail time-
Oliver received his first bits of mail on Tuesday. He was a little cranky from just getting up from a nap but I convinced him that opening his packages would cheer him up.
package from auntie Audrey
nesting sock monkeys from AmyCousin Laura also sent us a set of awesome Sarah Boynton books (my personal favorite), but we were unable to catch a photo this afternoon.
Friday is Oliver's appointment at the international adoption clinic at Children's Mercy. I'm a little sad we don't get to visit the doctor that helped us though the referral process and the first trip to Russia, but Omaha is a bit far and I've heard great things about the clinic here. I'm excited/nervous to see where Oliver falls on the growth charts, what the doctor says about his Russian "ailments," and what we need to do to help him continue to grow and thrive.
Friday is Oliver's appointment at the international adoption clinic at Children's Mercy. I'm a little sad we don't get to visit the doctor that helped us though the referral process and the first trip to Russia, but Omaha is a bit far and I've heard great things about the clinic here. I'm excited/nervous to see where Oliver falls on the growth charts, what the doctor says about his Russian "ailments," and what we need to do to help him continue to grow and thrive.
Sunday, February 20
ignorance is bliss
This story dates back to January 24th the day before our court hearing...
On the 24th that dreaded blacklist came out. It's a list of all the agencies that Russia wishes not to deal with because, usually, they are the agencies whose parents are not doing post placement reports. Well the 24th is the day before our court hearing. I hear about this blacklist, but there is no way, no way I'm going to look at it because if our agency is on there I'm going to loose it. I don't know what loose it would mean in that case but it wouldn't be pretty. We are in Russia, we are going to court tomorrow, and this is not happening. So I don't look, I don't say anything to Jim, and I just forget about. Tomorrow is our day, we got this.
As you have read previously everything at court went just fine, and because of that I don't need to even bother looking at said list, right? Well I read another blog from our area that is using that same agency (hey Denise) and we are on there. Ugh. Not sure what that means for me now, so I hesitantly email our international agency and ask what it is going to happen.
Turns our that if our judge didn't look at the list, or if she did she had pity on us. Whatever, she had the right to put us back on a plane for home to redo that whole month long home study process. That delay would also cause numerous other documents to expire alone with our medicals. All that is inconvenient, costly, and annoying but not nearly as bad as the heart break that would have come from being so close one moment and then so far away seconds later.
So God is good and ignorance, in this case, was total bliss.
On the 24th that dreaded blacklist came out. It's a list of all the agencies that Russia wishes not to deal with because, usually, they are the agencies whose parents are not doing post placement reports. Well the 24th is the day before our court hearing. I hear about this blacklist, but there is no way, no way I'm going to look at it because if our agency is on there I'm going to loose it. I don't know what loose it would mean in that case but it wouldn't be pretty. We are in Russia, we are going to court tomorrow, and this is not happening. So I don't look, I don't say anything to Jim, and I just forget about. Tomorrow is our day, we got this.
As you have read previously everything at court went just fine, and because of that I don't need to even bother looking at said list, right? Well I read another blog from our area that is using that same agency (hey Denise) and we are on there. Ugh. Not sure what that means for me now, so I hesitantly email our international agency and ask what it is going to happen.
Turns our that if our judge didn't look at the list, or if she did she had pity on us. Whatever, she had the right to put us back on a plane for home to redo that whole month long home study process. That delay would also cause numerous other documents to expire alone with our medicals. All that is inconvenient, costly, and annoying but not nearly as bad as the heart break that would have come from being so close one moment and then so far away seconds later.
So God is good and ignorance, in this case, was total bliss.
Saturday, February 19
are we there yet?
February 17, 2011
Vlad picked us up promptly at 8am. He asked if I had everything together and wondered where my coat was. Oh Vlad, I don’t need a feather filled coat to ride an airplane to Atlanta and then to Kansas this fleece and my hat will do. He thinks I’m crazy, they all do. Oliver’s coat comes apart and he is wearing just the inside part which is also a cozy fleece and his hat. I can just manage to carry everything on my own and if I had on all those extra clothes I would just overheat and fall down, really.
On previous car trips Oliver hasn’t made a peep. Like total silence. Today was not that day. Today he was all over looking at everything and making all sorts of noise. Vlad says “that is the first I hear him.” Little did I know, at the time, but that car ride was a sign of things to come...
We arrive at the airport and I’m nervous about a few things.
- My travel agent said “they” will be upset that I got Oliver a round trip ticket. (it was about $300 less than one way)
- Do I have all the proper paperwork that says I’m him mom and not some random lady trying to snatch him.
Vlad walks us over to the Delta ticket counter and the line is ominous. Not really thrilled about that. First we stop at the passport checker guy and he asks those usual questions, who packed the bag, what do you have, is this your kid, etc. After passport checker the line to check in starts but some Delta agent lets us cut the whole thing and check right in. The lady checking us in doesn’t say anything about Oliver’s round trip ticket and she doesn’t ask for any other documentation besides our passports. Lovely. We get our tickets and Vlad walks us over to the passport control area. He can’t come any further so we say goodbye. He is a really nice guy and I found this help, especially since I was alone, invaluable. Well worth a good tip at least. Oliver and I head into passport control land I wonder if they will ask to see any paperwork. While I’m waiting in line I look back and there Vlad is, still watching to make sure we make it in okay. The woman asks for nothing besides our passports and sends us on our way. We give Vlad a wave and move on.
Now it’s only 10:30 and our flight is at 12:50, so we have time. My plan is simple, run baby around the airport that whole time, so he will sleep for some portion on the almost 12 hour flight. We walked all over terminal D, looked out every window, played pee-a-boo around all the columns, and at a little lunch. I’m pretty sure he put in more mileage at the airport that morning then he has in this whole life. I soon discover the joy of a child during the boarding process, getting to go first!
We found our seats and got settled. Snacks here, toys there, a lesson on how the window shade works, shoes off, get comfy. Shortly after takeoff they serve us some lunch. Oliver is a little bird hungrily eating the pasta primavera, a roll, a cookie, some water, and crackers. Then they put on a movie and I think okay now would be a great time to nap, nope. That movie finishes and another starts, how about a nap now, nope. Then another movie and another movie, so that’s at least eight hours awake on the plane walking laps, playing shadow puppets, eating cheerios, playing toys, operating the window shade and visiting the bathroom to look in the mirror and play in the sink, all mixed with bits of yelling and slapping mommy. I don’t blame him because, unlike the tub, this is actual torture. His eyes are getting glassy and bloodshot, he is sooooo tired. Next three sitcoms play, still awake. Finally after 11 hours and 15 minutes we start to see the ground in Atlanta. Just as the plane is landing Oliver thinks this, this would be the perfect time to nap. So he did sleep, about 5 minutes out of the possible 720 minutes we were on the plane. Of course he promptly arose when I picked him up and loaded him into the baby carrier.
We get off the plane in sunny 72 degree Atlanta and head to immigration. We need to hand over a specially sealed package of papers to the immigration desk and wait for them to process it, after about 45 minutes (still awake) they call us over and stamp Oliver’s passport and suddenly I’m holding a little dual Russian/American citizen. We go get our luggage because they make us recheck it and go through security again, off to our gate to wait out the next 2 hours of our 3 hour layover. I let Oliver down, and take my boots off because I’m just that hot (temperature) and classy. Bags down on a bench and we start walking laps around our gate area. He is so tired, I am so tired, it’s 3am where we came from and we have been up since 6am. Not lovely.
This next airplane is the kind with two rows of three seats. I ask the gate agent if maybe there is a row that is empty so we can have that extra third seat in case he decides he still has an aversion to sleep. There is a row but it’s the last one, I don’t care please switch us. Just before boarding, back in the baby carrier, Oliver is taken over by sleep. A nice man lets me cut to the front of the boarding line and we get to our back row and settle by the window. I put my legs up on the seat purchased for Oliver and that extra third seat.
A few rows up some men are moving about because there are some extra seats. Someone gets on the plane late and is supposed to be in that seat in row 36, the guy sitting there says “is this your seat” he says yes, but I’ll just go sit back there pointing to what I really wanted to be my foot rest…oh well. Now this isn’t just any guy. This guy is that guy that has been “wronged” by the airline. You know him, he is grumpy and loud and bossy. He is mad because on his flight from FLORIDA (we are in Atlanta, so what is that a 5 minute flight) they checked his bag all the way to Kansas when he thought they were just going to put it under the plane to pick up between flights. He is mad because his keys are in it and what if it doesn’t arrive. He is loudly stating his story to the people around him and to the stewardesses who are trying to ready the plane to leave. He wakes Oliver up and looks annoyed when Oliver starts to cry. I say “I understand you have had a hard day but we have been awake for the past 21 hours and just arrived from Russia and this is the first my kid shut his eyes, if you could just be a little quieter I think he will fall back to sleep.” The guy calms himself and Oliver and I sleep. That hour and 45 minute flight felt like 10 minutes in comparison, but we slept the whole way so we both feel a bit better.
Oliver wakes up upon arrival in Kansas. We get off our plane and are greeted by that classic "Welcome Home" group. Jim made a few signs and brought some flowers and balloons. We are so lucky to have good friends from church. Thanks for coming guys, it was really wonderful to see you and have such a sweet welcoming.
The next morning I take a breath and think ahhhhh this is better. Then I check my email. I have a message from our coordinator. Congratulations on completing your adoption. In the next 7 days you need to send us this paperwork, that paperwork, and the other paperwork. At least it does not need to be notarized and apostilled.
Wednesday, February 16
svo - atl - mci - home
This morning I was thinking, Oliver must think this is his new life. Hanging with me at the apartment playing with our five toys and anything we can make into a toy, taking baths, skyping, turning the TV on and off, diving into the pack&play,hiding the annoying potty, walking to the grocery story, chasing pigeons, and eating all our meals sitting on the floor. It really has been fun but oh my dear boy have I got a surprise for you...
Our flight tomorrow is at about 1pm, but Vlad is coming to get us at 8am. You never really know how long it is going to take to get to the airport with all the traffic plus check in and security. Then an almost 12 hour flight, 3 hour layover in Atlanta (including immigration where Oliver will become a dual citizen!), then a quick two hour flight. Putting us in Kansas at 9:30pm central time 6:30am Moscow time. Say a little prayer for us.
While I am excited to be going back home, and I know Jim can't wait to see us, I really did have a wonderful time in Kemerovo and here in Moscow. Back when the trip first started I decided I was "all in" and was going to enjoy my time here. I wasn't just here to finish Oliver's adoption, but here to experience a glimpse of his first home. It is different than the US, not different better or different worse, it's just different, and I had fun. Everyone I met was kind, old ladies stopped us on the street to say sweet things (judging by tone of voice), and when he is ready to go back and visit I'll call Natasha, for the 100th time, to get my visa. We just can't visit when he is between the ages of 18-35, because they have mandatory draft here and Vlad says the army is like prison.
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Yesterday, while walking home from the grocery store Oliver discovered pigeons. I let him down from the baby carrier and he was all about waddling around after them. This morning he kept bringing me his boots and grunting at the door, so we went outside in search of pigeons. Oliver wanted nothing to do with being held and insisted on chasing them on his own two feet.
and falling into snow banks
finally made it to the swing
he enjoyed the swing but knows the pigeons are that way--->
inside we played stacking cups
When we stack the cups in a tower or put them inside each other I'll count them. Now when he plays with them by himself he says "da, da, da, da" as he places each one in its proper location.
Operation "tub is not torture"
Yesterday was session 6. A naked baby was in the tub playing, a fully clothed and only one arm wet mom was on the outside washing happy baby's hair.
Please note-this is not considered a success unless it carries over to his actual bath tub at home. We soon shall see...
After this we will work on "brushing teeth is not torture"
Our flight tomorrow is at about 1pm, but Vlad is coming to get us at 8am. You never really know how long it is going to take to get to the airport with all the traffic plus check in and security. Then an almost 12 hour flight, 3 hour layover in Atlanta (including immigration where Oliver will become a dual citizen!), then a quick two hour flight. Putting us in Kansas at 9:30pm central time 6:30am Moscow time. Say a little prayer for us.
While I am excited to be going back home, and I know Jim can't wait to see us, I really did have a wonderful time in Kemerovo and here in Moscow. Back when the trip first started I decided I was "all in" and was going to enjoy my time here. I wasn't just here to finish Oliver's adoption, but here to experience a glimpse of his first home. It is different than the US, not different better or different worse, it's just different, and I had fun. Everyone I met was kind, old ladies stopped us on the street to say sweet things (judging by tone of voice), and when he is ready to go back and visit I'll call Natasha, for the 100th time, to get my visa. We just can't visit when he is between the ages of 18-35, because they have mandatory draft here and Vlad says the army is like prison.
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Yesterday, while walking home from the grocery store Oliver discovered pigeons. I let him down from the baby carrier and he was all about waddling around after them. This morning he kept bringing me his boots and grunting at the door, so we went outside in search of pigeons. Oliver wanted nothing to do with being held and insisted on chasing them on his own two feet.
and falling into snow banks
finally made it to the swing
he enjoyed the swing but knows the pigeons are that way--->
inside we played stacking cupsWhen we stack the cups in a tower or put them inside each other I'll count them. Now when he plays with them by himself he says "da, da, da, da" as he places each one in its proper location.
Operation "tub is not torture"
Yesterday was session 6. A naked baby was in the tub playing, a fully clothed and only one arm wet mom was on the outside washing happy baby's hair.
Please note-this is not considered a success unless it carries over to his actual bath tub at home. We soon shall see...
After this we will work on "brushing teeth is not torture"
Monday, February 14
stop, please stop
The apartment has a potty. This particular potty plays a little jingle when it gets wet. I guess the jingle is to say "good job" to the babe. Anyway, it is currently about 9:00pm here in Moscow. Oliver sat on the potty at about 5:00pm. I rinsed it, I dried it with a towel, I blew on it, I can't get it to stop playing. There are some small things that make me kind of nuts and repetitive noise is at the top of the list. The apartment also came with a ticking clock above the bed, who would do that? I promptly removed it from the wall and put it on the kitchen table. The potty has been banished to the oven, but I think I can still hear it.
Today's game of choice
1. Baby climbs on bed
2. Mom runs from the other side of the room to tickle silly baby
3. Silly baby thinks he wants to get off the bed head first
4. Mom explains that head first is only for diving into the pack&play
Today's game of choice1. Baby climbs on bed
2. Mom runs from the other side of the room to tickle silly baby
3. Silly baby thinks he wants to get off the bed head first4. Mom explains that head first is only for diving into the pack&play
To celebrate Valentine's Day Oliver and I wore our festive T-shirts, not matching ones. I was excited about this day because it meant I got to wear a brand new clean really clean shirt that I had saved for the occasion. After nap we walked to the market and got some chocolate to share for dessert, but ended up eating some of it before dinner. Yesterday when we were out on the town with Vlad I asked him is Russian's celebrated Valentine's Day. Only teenagers. They go ice skating, he said. So you're not going to get your wife some flowers or candy? No, I get her flowers all the time. What a nice guy.
Operation "tub is not torture" session 5
I got a naked baby into the tub, all the way in the tub not my lap, I washed his hair, I got out after about five minutes, he continued to play for 20, when he was done he stood up and raised his hands to be removed. Maybe tomorrow I won't have to get in.
Sunday, February 13
entertainment
Vlad says I brought the Siberian air here to Moscow with me. It's been cold cold and snowy everyday. It doesn't seem to ever snow storm like it does back home, I think it just lightly snows all day long. Occasionally, when the smell of stinky diapers becomes too much, Oliver and I venture out of the apartment and make the short jaunt to the dumpster. Here are some photos of our inside adventures of the past couple days.
playing in the luggage
testing out our new matryoshka doll
Here is our new favorite game.
1.Stand at the edge of the bed
2. Launch self head first into the pack & play (it's soft inside)
3. Tickle
4. Enjoy the sound of belly laugh
5. Repeat
I spent a lot of nights hugging my identical owl at home while I waited for you
playing in the luggage
testing out our new matryoshka doll
Here is our new favorite game.1.Stand at the edge of the bed
2. Launch self head first into the pack & play (it's soft inside)
3. Tickle
4. Enjoy the sound of belly laugh
5. Repeat
In "tub is not torture" news. Session 3 & 4 were just about identical. I managed to get a naked baby into a tub of water both times. However, he insisted on sitting on my lap. He did splash, play, get his hair washed, walk around a little, and practice leaning back to kick his legs. I haven't taken this many baths in a year since I was maybe six. Good times.
And now for maybe the sweetest photo...
And now for maybe the sweetest photo...
I spent a lot of nights hugging my identical owl at home while I waited for youFriday, February 11
immigration interview, tub practice
Today it was off to the immigration office to get the necessary package of papers that will allow him to move to the US. We also received all his information and birth certificates (yes there is more than one). Vlad drops us off outside the building and says he and Katya will be here when we are done. The building is silent. Were is everyone? We go through a few security check points and end up in a huge waiting room where no one is waiting, so we keep walking until we see a sign that says adoption and immigration. So this is where they keep the people. There are a couple other families that are adopting and a bunch of Russians that are immigrating, but no one speaks. Why? Oliver and I sit down and I chat with the guy that is alone with his kid, his wife already went home. Eventually the other families discover that talking is way more fun than sitting in silence for about 2 hours. We get the papers we need and we leave.
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After supper we play for a little while and then I pretend to change his diaper, but really just remove it so we can work on operation "tub is not torture" I realize I'm risking it sans diapers, but I think it would be worse if he made it into the tub with the diaper on, so I'll take my chances. Now I don't actually believe that kids really need a bath everyday, but in order for us to get good at this we are going to need to practice...daily. We start the same as the previous day playing in the sink, then we turn so we are over the tub. Today I find a perfect sized stacking cup that can plug the drain so the tub will actually hold water. Slowly, very slowly we inch our way into the tub using every distraction available. Now I didn't realize that we were going to get into the tub or I would not have had quite so many clothes on, but whatever that sweater needed to be washed. For awhile he sits on my lap and I inch him down until he is actually sitting on the bottom of the tub. Go Oliver! It's been about 40 minutes at this point. I sneak out from behind him and get my camera, and he keeps sitting. I snap a few pictures and then take him out. I want to get him out before he starts thinking he doesn't like it.
Then we enter, what I believe, is Oliver's favorite time of day...
Before bed he gets all lotioned up. He goes totally boneless and just seems so happy to be getting his little massage. PJs on, classical music on, play in the pack and play while I clean up dinner and organize our things, get out of the pack and play and into bed, read, point to our noses and eyes, and call it a day.
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After supper we play for a little while and then I pretend to change his diaper, but really just remove it so we can work on operation "tub is not torture" I realize I'm risking it sans diapers, but I think it would be worse if he made it into the tub with the diaper on, so I'll take my chances. Now I don't actually believe that kids really need a bath everyday, but in order for us to get good at this we are going to need to practice...daily. We start the same as the previous day playing in the sink, then we turn so we are over the tub. Today I find a perfect sized stacking cup that can plug the drain so the tub will actually hold water. Slowly, very slowly we inch our way into the tub using every distraction available. Now I didn't realize that we were going to get into the tub or I would not have had quite so many clothes on, but whatever that sweater needed to be washed. For awhile he sits on my lap and I inch him down until he is actually sitting on the bottom of the tub. Go Oliver! It's been about 40 minutes at this point. I sneak out from behind him and get my camera, and he keeps sitting. I snap a few pictures and then take him out. I want to get him out before he starts thinking he doesn't like it.
Then we enter, what I believe, is Oliver's favorite time of day...
Before bed he gets all lotioned up. He goes totally boneless and just seems so happy to be getting his little massage. PJs on, classical music on, play in the pack and play while I clean up dinner and organize our things, get out of the pack and play and into bed, read, point to our noses and eyes, and call it a day.
Thursday, February 10
family day 2-7-11
Lots of families call it Gotcha Day, and that might be the reason we didn't want to. Cheers to Family Day #1!
It wasn't until that very morning that I started to feel anxious. My mind wasn't racing, which is what tends to happen but rather my stomach, which always tells the truth, was in knots.
Vlad picked me up at 8:30 and there was a car seat in the back of his car. How uncommon and yet how great. Vlad is awesome. We drive to an office building to pick up Oliver's birth certificate then off to a different building to get his passport. All the paper work was done and I figured now we could go to the orphanage. Nope, if we leave now the babies will still be napping and we will have to wait until they rise. Anna asks if we (the Maltese couple and I) need to change any money so we can pay our hotel bill. We say yes and off we drive to a bank. We pull up outside the bank and Anna says it will be just two more minutes until he gets here. What? The bank is right there and it looks open. No no there is no bank involved just a guy with a ton of rubles in his jacket. I stayed at that hotel for like 13 days and that equals enough bills to make my wallet challenging to shut.
Then we go back to the hotel and wait some more. Finally at 11:00 it's time to go. Alyssa is the translator that is joining us on this baby day she says she will ride with the other family down to the orphanage and with me back here That's fine, I don't mind the time to be alone and in my own head for awhile. It's peaceful out today and lightly snowing there isn't much traffic and the air is free from all that smoke.
At 2:00 we arrive at the baby house and are sent to the director's office she will be returning shortly and we can ask her any last questions we might have. Everything is answered and then we just keep waiting. The waiting is an excruciatingly long five minutes or so. Then in pops Oliver being carried by one of the caretakers. She is also carrying the photo book we left him and the disposable cameras that Natalie donated to our cause (thanks!). I can't wait to see what is on those cameras. I take the stuff and put it in my bag then go back to get Oliver. He is wearing that same outfit he is always wearing and has a single little tear on the side of his face. I'm a little sad the owl didn't come back, but we bought a second to have at home just in case. I hold Oliver and we walk around the office, looking out the window and chatting. I'm not sure what I should be doing so I just keep walking around with him. The son of the Maltese family comes in and he has his stuffed animal that they left. I figure I'll be brave and ask for ours. Using our little photo book I show them the owl and ask if we could please have it back. One of the caretakers goes and brings it back. Oliver smiles when he sees it and we pack it up.
Alyssa says now it's time to change the boys into their new clothes and get them dressed for outside. Oliver surprises me as he pulls his arms out at the right time and helps to get himself dress in his new clothes. We have the snow pants but decided to risk it and leave them in the bag, and just wear the fleece lined jeans. The director says Oliver looks like a good Siberian boy. We snap a photo with the director and sit to wait while the other family finishes up. Couple minutes later Alyssa says Oliver and I should go before he gets too hot. Amen! I thank Ludmilla for her care of Oliver. I don't cry because, well actually I have no idea why, but I don't. She says be sure to come back if we would like a second child and be sure to send our friends....consider yourself invited.
Alyssa asks if I mind if she rides back with the other family. No I'll be fine with Vlad. When we walk outside He says sweet things to Oliver (I assume) takes him from me and straps him in the car seat. The car clock says it's 15:15 paka paka orphanage, hello to a new adventure. Oliver isn't fussing in the car seat he is looking all over at everything as he holds my finger. I'm really thankful he isn't fussing because I've already ridden 3 hours and am filling a little car sick. Vlad surprises me when he says Oliver is a good boy would you like to see a picture of my family? Sure. He has two sons age 12 and 2. Then I think even more highly of him because this must be his son's car seat. Oliver and I pass time munching on puffs, seat dancing to the music, and pointing at various lights. He doesn't sleep, like I hear so many do, but hey he just got up from his nap to discover all these new things. How could you sleep at a time like this?
We arrive back at the hotel a bit after six, we go up to our room and eat, skype with Jim, and get ready for bed. The lights are off an he is laying there next to me. He is right there. I can hear him breathing and see the outline of him holding his blanket. He really is our son now. Like really.
It wasn't until that very morning that I started to feel anxious. My mind wasn't racing, which is what tends to happen but rather my stomach, which always tells the truth, was in knots.
Vlad picked me up at 8:30 and there was a car seat in the back of his car. How uncommon and yet how great. Vlad is awesome. We drive to an office building to pick up Oliver's birth certificate then off to a different building to get his passport. All the paper work was done and I figured now we could go to the orphanage. Nope, if we leave now the babies will still be napping and we will have to wait until they rise. Anna asks if we (the Maltese couple and I) need to change any money so we can pay our hotel bill. We say yes and off we drive to a bank. We pull up outside the bank and Anna says it will be just two more minutes until he gets here. What? The bank is right there and it looks open. No no there is no bank involved just a guy with a ton of rubles in his jacket. I stayed at that hotel for like 13 days and that equals enough bills to make my wallet challenging to shut.
Then we go back to the hotel and wait some more. Finally at 11:00 it's time to go. Alyssa is the translator that is joining us on this baby day she says she will ride with the other family down to the orphanage and with me back here That's fine, I don't mind the time to be alone and in my own head for awhile. It's peaceful out today and lightly snowing there isn't much traffic and the air is free from all that smoke.
At 2:00 we arrive at the baby house and are sent to the director's office she will be returning shortly and we can ask her any last questions we might have. Everything is answered and then we just keep waiting. The waiting is an excruciatingly long five minutes or so. Then in pops Oliver being carried by one of the caretakers. She is also carrying the photo book we left him and the disposable cameras that Natalie donated to our cause (thanks!). I can't wait to see what is on those cameras. I take the stuff and put it in my bag then go back to get Oliver. He is wearing that same outfit he is always wearing and has a single little tear on the side of his face. I'm a little sad the owl didn't come back, but we bought a second to have at home just in case. I hold Oliver and we walk around the office, looking out the window and chatting. I'm not sure what I should be doing so I just keep walking around with him. The son of the Maltese family comes in and he has his stuffed animal that they left. I figure I'll be brave and ask for ours. Using our little photo book I show them the owl and ask if we could please have it back. One of the caretakers goes and brings it back. Oliver smiles when he sees it and we pack it up.
Alyssa says now it's time to change the boys into their new clothes and get them dressed for outside. Oliver surprises me as he pulls his arms out at the right time and helps to get himself dress in his new clothes. We have the snow pants but decided to risk it and leave them in the bag, and just wear the fleece lined jeans. The director says Oliver looks like a good Siberian boy. We snap a photo with the director and sit to wait while the other family finishes up. Couple minutes later Alyssa says Oliver and I should go before he gets too hot. Amen! I thank Ludmilla for her care of Oliver. I don't cry because, well actually I have no idea why, but I don't. She says be sure to come back if we would like a second child and be sure to send our friends....consider yourself invited.
Alyssa asks if I mind if she rides back with the other family. No I'll be fine with Vlad. When we walk outside He says sweet things to Oliver (I assume) takes him from me and straps him in the car seat. The car clock says it's 15:15 paka paka orphanage, hello to a new adventure. Oliver isn't fussing in the car seat he is looking all over at everything as he holds my finger. I'm really thankful he isn't fussing because I've already ridden 3 hours and am filling a little car sick. Vlad surprises me when he says Oliver is a good boy would you like to see a picture of my family? Sure. He has two sons age 12 and 2. Then I think even more highly of him because this must be his son's car seat. Oliver and I pass time munching on puffs, seat dancing to the music, and pointing at various lights. He doesn't sleep, like I hear so many do, but hey he just got up from his nap to discover all these new things. How could you sleep at a time like this?
We arrive back at the hotel a bit after six, we go up to our room and eat, skype with Jim, and get ready for bed. The lights are off an he is laying there next to me. He is right there. I can hear him breathing and see the outline of him holding his blanket. He really is our son now. Like really.
tub is not torture
Today we were told to stay at the apartment. A doctor was coming at 7:30 to do a check up on Oliver. Our paperwork was being submitted to the US embassy, and we needed to be here in case they had to call with questions. And Vlad was coming to get my passport to be registered. So don't leave, got it.
instead of leaving we enjoyed the view
played hide behind the door
and did some light housework
good enough for day one
instead of leaving we enjoyed the view
played hide behind the door
and did some light houseworkWhen preparing for the adoption we read some books and took some online classes about the challenges that kids from orphanages might face. One issue is bath time. I'm not exactly sure what goes on during bath time at the baby house, maybe I don't even want to know, but it can't be fun if 90% of them a scared of it when they leave. I hoped Oliver would be different, but I quickly learned he is not. At our hotel in Kemerovo there was only a shower and I turned it on a nice easy stream and he ran crying from the room...it was the first I heard him cry. I decided to forget that and wait until we were at the apartment with a tub.
Now that we are at the apartment operation "tub is not torture" is in full effect.
Today I put Oliver in the baby carrier and we walk around the apartment, we go in the bathroom and turn on the sink water so I can wash last nights inner off one of his shirts. I sit down on the edge of the tub and let him stick his hand under the water. Eventually we turn so we are facing the tub and sticking his hand under the tub water (it's the same water the faucet just turns to either go in the sink or the tub..brilliant) I take him out of the baby carrier and take of his socks so he can put his hands and feet in the water, still sitting on my lap. You can follow the rest of the story in the photos.
standing on his own in the tub
Now that we are at the apartment operation "tub is not torture" is in full effect.
Today I put Oliver in the baby carrier and we walk around the apartment, we go in the bathroom and turn on the sink water so I can wash last nights inner off one of his shirts. I sit down on the edge of the tub and let him stick his hand under the water. Eventually we turn so we are facing the tub and sticking his hand under the tub water (it's the same water the faucet just turns to either go in the sink or the tub..brilliant) I take him out of the baby carrier and take of his socks so he can put his hands and feet in the water, still sitting on my lap. You can follow the rest of the story in the photos.
standing on his own in the tub
good enough for day oneWednesday, February 9
airplane? airplane!
Today was a day I was dreading. I mean really not looking forward to. Will he be scared of the plane, will his ears hurt, will he cry and cry some more? Can I carry my back pack, his bag, him, and our big red suit case?
I rise at 4:40, get dressed, finish packing, and lug Big Red downstairs. I know Big Red is over the 40lb limit, but I can't help it 28 days + a kid = slightly more that 40 pounds. I get back upstairs and break the news to Oliver, it is time to get dressed and bundled so we can go. We make it downstairs promptly at 5:15 and Vlad is there waiting for us. He lugs Big Red for me and I appreciate that. Everything at the airport check in goes smoothly our bag is overweight but no one seems to care. A little later the couple from Malta comes for their flight. I'm glad someone was around to talk to. We say goodbye at around 7:00 because it is time to board.
In such a small airport like Kemerovo there is no walkway to the plane. Instead you go outside, get on the bus, and ride 100 meters (meters, what a good Russian I am) and then walk up the stairs to the plane. As soon as we get out the door we are met with such refreshing cool air. The Russian mothers dress their children in snow pants for such occasions, the American mothers (or is it only me?) think "thank goodness it was so hot in that airport." Anyway as soon as Oliver sees the plane he starts getting all excited, pointing and making the come here sign with his hands, like this is the greatest piece of machinery he has laid his little eyes on. Okay well that's a good sign. We find our seats and swiftly remove our jackets because, like the airport, the plane is sooooo hot. I can tell it is only me that thinks this, but if I overheat I'm going to vomit, that's just how it is.
Oliver is not so good at sucking so instead of a sippy cup he eats puff during take off, to help his ears. He thinks nothing of the rough take off or the pressure attack on his ears. He munches puff like it's his job and we soar off to Moscow. The rest of the trip is almost as uneventful. We look over the safety card about fifty time, read through Aeroflot magazine, look at the duty free catalog so many times we end up ripping the cover off, eat breakfast, wander the isle, nap for an hour or so, and practice opening and closing the seat belt so many times I think he could do the demonstration for our flight home.
Landing is smooth and I let the girl by the window out ahead of us. I need to change Oliver's diaper before we go because I don't know what's next. I get him all dressed and we head out. We are the last ones off but only by a few steps. We we get to the door to go into the airport I discover it is locked and there is no one there and no one will turn around to open it. I walk back to the plane and they say I can come on and get what I forgot. No no and I give them the come here follow me sign. I show them what happened and they say 5 minutes. Okay. We just stand around in this area and eventually a woman comes by. I think she is going to open this door that will let us into the airport and on to baggage claim. No she motions for me to follow her. We go outside, get in a employee van, and drive over to the baggage area. Slightly confused about what just went on we walk inside and wait for our bag and then go met Vlad our driver, same name different city.
It hits me in the car. I really need to lay, or drink water, or stick my head out the window or basically anything besides being in the car. I ask Vlad what we are doing, hoping conversation will help. He tells me we are going to go to the grocery store so I can get some food and then we are going back to the apartment and then our Moscow coordinator will come and fill out papers. That doesn't sound so bad and I feel better.
I can tell Oliver is as relieved as I am to be at the apartment. I put him down and he waddles all over looking at everything. Vlad, besides being the driver is the apartment owner. He tells me how everything works and leaves to get the coordinator. While Oliver and I are alone we eat some lunch and run around acting crazy. As soon as Vlad and the coordinator are back he sits down and plays stacking cups during the 45 minutes it takes me to fill out all the papers. He is funny like that.
I rise at 4:40, get dressed, finish packing, and lug Big Red downstairs. I know Big Red is over the 40lb limit, but I can't help it 28 days + a kid = slightly more that 40 pounds. I get back upstairs and break the news to Oliver, it is time to get dressed and bundled so we can go. We make it downstairs promptly at 5:15 and Vlad is there waiting for us. He lugs Big Red for me and I appreciate that. Everything at the airport check in goes smoothly our bag is overweight but no one seems to care. A little later the couple from Malta comes for their flight. I'm glad someone was around to talk to. We say goodbye at around 7:00 because it is time to board.
In such a small airport like Kemerovo there is no walkway to the plane. Instead you go outside, get on the bus, and ride 100 meters (meters, what a good Russian I am) and then walk up the stairs to the plane. As soon as we get out the door we are met with such refreshing cool air. The Russian mothers dress their children in snow pants for such occasions, the American mothers (or is it only me?) think "thank goodness it was so hot in that airport." Anyway as soon as Oliver sees the plane he starts getting all excited, pointing and making the come here sign with his hands, like this is the greatest piece of machinery he has laid his little eyes on. Okay well that's a good sign. We find our seats and swiftly remove our jackets because, like the airport, the plane is sooooo hot. I can tell it is only me that thinks this, but if I overheat I'm going to vomit, that's just how it is.
Oliver is not so good at sucking so instead of a sippy cup he eats puff during take off, to help his ears. He thinks nothing of the rough take off or the pressure attack on his ears. He munches puff like it's his job and we soar off to Moscow. The rest of the trip is almost as uneventful. We look over the safety card about fifty time, read through Aeroflot magazine, look at the duty free catalog so many times we end up ripping the cover off, eat breakfast, wander the isle, nap for an hour or so, and practice opening and closing the seat belt so many times I think he could do the demonstration for our flight home.
Landing is smooth and I let the girl by the window out ahead of us. I need to change Oliver's diaper before we go because I don't know what's next. I get him all dressed and we head out. We are the last ones off but only by a few steps. We we get to the door to go into the airport I discover it is locked and there is no one there and no one will turn around to open it. I walk back to the plane and they say I can come on and get what I forgot. No no and I give them the come here follow me sign. I show them what happened and they say 5 minutes. Okay. We just stand around in this area and eventually a woman comes by. I think she is going to open this door that will let us into the airport and on to baggage claim. No she motions for me to follow her. We go outside, get in a employee van, and drive over to the baggage area. Slightly confused about what just went on we walk inside and wait for our bag and then go met Vlad our driver, same name different city.
It hits me in the car. I really need to lay, or drink water, or stick my head out the window or basically anything besides being in the car. I ask Vlad what we are doing, hoping conversation will help. He tells me we are going to go to the grocery store so I can get some food and then we are going back to the apartment and then our Moscow coordinator will come and fill out papers. That doesn't sound so bad and I feel better.
I can tell Oliver is as relieved as I am to be at the apartment. I put him down and he waddles all over looking at everything. Vlad, besides being the driver is the apartment owner. He tells me how everything works and leaves to get the coordinator. While Oliver and I are alone we eat some lunch and run around acting crazy. As soon as Vlad and the coordinator are back he sits down and plays stacking cups during the 45 minutes it takes me to fill out all the papers. He is funny like that.
Monday, February 7
putting a name and face to the adventure
The story, the details, and more photos will come later. For now a simple introduction.
Okay one detail because I can't help myself. I didn't put him in the snow pants and we still made it out.
Okay one detail because I can't help myself. I didn't put him in the snow pants and we still made it out.
Sunday, February 6
baby eve
I'm at breakfast this morning sipping my chai and I hear the hotel doorbell ring. I hear a struggle as people attempt to open the door and then I hear Anna, our coordinator. She only comes around when I'm in my PJs and today is no exception. She isn't here for me as I can hear her talking to someone else, but I don't really care so I go see what's going on.
The couple from Malta is back. They went to court the same day as us and then went home for the waiting period. Anna explains to us when we need to eat breakfast tomorrow and what time our ride will be here (8:30). They ask me how I am and I say good, because that is what I should say. Really I'm thrilled to see them and would love to go on a walk around the city and chat and go to lunch together and... luckily I controlled myself. I ask them how they are and they say, tired. Then they turn and go in their room. I know how they feel all that traveling is hard and the overnight flight from Moscow to here is the worst, simply because it robs you of sleep. While I get bored and lonely at times I am so glad I was able to stay here and wait. Being refreshed and able to enjoy the craziness of tomorrow will be worth it.
Speaking of tomorrow. I havemy the babe's bag all packed with the "busting out of the orphanage" essentials. Fleece lined jeans, long sleeve onesie, striped sweater, socks, diaper, fleece lined snow pants, winter jacket, boots, hat, mittens...it's a large bag. I believe he will be able to safety make it from the hot hot orphanage, though 30 seconds of chilly Siberia, and into the warm car.
I have just researched what the words "soy & milk" look like in Russian and I'm going to attempt to locate them at the grocery store. According to the doctor at the orphanage our babe is allergic to milk. I know they say that of many children then it turns out they are not, but they also said he breaks out in hives when he has milk and I'm just not willing to risk all that misery on top of the misery he will already be dealing with.
The couple from Malta is back. They went to court the same day as us and then went home for the waiting period. Anna explains to us when we need to eat breakfast tomorrow and what time our ride will be here (8:30). They ask me how I am and I say good, because that is what I should say. Really I'm thrilled to see them and would love to go on a walk around the city and chat and go to lunch together and... luckily I controlled myself. I ask them how they are and they say, tired. Then they turn and go in their room. I know how they feel all that traveling is hard and the overnight flight from Moscow to here is the worst, simply because it robs you of sleep. While I get bored and lonely at times I am so glad I was able to stay here and wait. Being refreshed and able to enjoy the craziness of tomorrow will be worth it.
Speaking of tomorrow. I have
I have just researched what the words "soy & milk" look like in Russian and I'm going to attempt to locate them at the grocery store. According to the doctor at the orphanage our babe is allergic to milk. I know they say that of many children then it turns out they are not, but they also said he breaks out in hives when he has milk and I'm just not willing to risk all that misery on top of the misery he will already be dealing with.
Friday, February 4
hey, I know you
Back on January 26th Jim got whisked away to the airport at around 5:20AM. I was told they would be back around 7:30/8:00AM to take me to the new hotel. Okay. I get up around 6:30 and start casually packing up my things while watching the national geographic channel and eating girl scout cookies. At 6:50 I hear this pounding. It's our coordinator she is pounding at the door, I open and she asks if she woke me...no no I'm awake. I don't look awake in my PJs and messed up hair, but I am. She asks if I need help packing up my stuff, no no I just need five minutes. She goes back downstairs and I scurry around the room getting dressed and throwing all my things into my bag.
Fast forward to a few days ago. I decide it's time to organize my stuff. See what I need to take to the orphanage, pile all the papers in their proper locations, see if I have any more thin mints, etc. While doing this organizing I notice in my pile of papers a folder that is not mine. You know when you go to a hotel there is always a folder or binder of "stuff you need to know" about the hotel. What to do when there is a fire, where to eat, those things...well I totally stole that folder from the last hotel. Maybe it's not stealing if you didn't mean to do it? I don't know.
It's not a far walk back to this other hotel, maybe 10 minutes maybe 12 if your legs are as short as mine. I keep the folder on my desk for a few day and ponder what I shall say when I return it. What I would like to say is "Hey sorry I totally yanked this from my room a week ago. You didn't charge my credit card extra, did you? It's actually a funny story how it happened..." Forget it even if I wait another few days I'm not going to learn all those words so I just walk back, hand it over, and say "izvinite" (sorry) She looks at me and then looks at the lady next to her, they start chattering, I say "da svidaniya" (goodbye) and walk off. The folder had the room number on it, so I think they will be fine.
After dropping that off I walk in the direction of the mall. I still have not purchased those tights I wrote about. I'm strolling down the street watching people run to catch the bus, shovel sidewalks, shovel roofs, and then a woman passes by me. Wait, I know that hat. I've seen that person before. More than seen her, I see lots of the same people day after day. I know that person. I turn around and she turns around too (like a romantic comedy). It's Alyssa. Alyssa is the person that did our translating at the orphanage during our visit last on the 24th. She rode back to Kemerovo with us and see will go with me on Monday. We chat for just a few minutes, but how nice it is to be able to talk to someone! She says she is just coming from the social agency, she is also in the process of adopting. Her process will be done in about 10 days. She has been in the process for 11 months that's only a couple months shorter than us, I thought it would be faster for a Russian to adopt from Russia. No translating, no traveling, less FedExing, I was wrong. Alyssa asks if I am enjoying my time here in Kemerovo. I tell her about walking down to the river, and seeing this and that. She says "The women always enjoy it. No having to cook and clean the house. It will all be over on Monday" I like her. I look forward to chatting with her on the 3 hour drive.
Fast forward to a few days ago. I decide it's time to organize my stuff. See what I need to take to the orphanage, pile all the papers in their proper locations, see if I have any more thin mints, etc. While doing this organizing I notice in my pile of papers a folder that is not mine. You know when you go to a hotel there is always a folder or binder of "stuff you need to know" about the hotel. What to do when there is a fire, where to eat, those things...well I totally stole that folder from the last hotel. Maybe it's not stealing if you didn't mean to do it? I don't know.
It's not a far walk back to this other hotel, maybe 10 minutes maybe 12 if your legs are as short as mine. I keep the folder on my desk for a few day and ponder what I shall say when I return it. What I would like to say is "Hey sorry I totally yanked this from my room a week ago. You didn't charge my credit card extra, did you? It's actually a funny story how it happened..." Forget it even if I wait another few days I'm not going to learn all those words so I just walk back, hand it over, and say "izvinite" (sorry) She looks at me and then looks at the lady next to her, they start chattering, I say "da svidaniya" (goodbye) and walk off. The folder had the room number on it, so I think they will be fine.
After dropping that off I walk in the direction of the mall. I still have not purchased those tights I wrote about. I'm strolling down the street watching people run to catch the bus, shovel sidewalks, shovel roofs, and then a woman passes by me. Wait, I know that hat. I've seen that person before. More than seen her, I see lots of the same people day after day. I know that person. I turn around and she turns around too (like a romantic comedy). It's Alyssa. Alyssa is the person that did our translating at the orphanage during our visit last on the 24th. She rode back to Kemerovo with us and see will go with me on Monday. We chat for just a few minutes, but how nice it is to be able to talk to someone! She says she is just coming from the social agency, she is also in the process of adopting. Her process will be done in about 10 days. She has been in the process for 11 months that's only a couple months shorter than us, I thought it would be faster for a Russian to adopt from Russia. No translating, no traveling, less FedExing, I was wrong. Alyssa asks if I am enjoying my time here in Kemerovo. I tell her about walking down to the river, and seeing this and that. She says "The women always enjoy it. No having to cook and clean the house. It will all be over on Monday" I like her. I look forward to chatting with her on the 3 hour drive.
Thursday, February 3
russian food
Every morning when I go down to breakfast the TV is on some news channel. At about 8:05 the news is finished and there is some food show on. The show starts out with a vote. People are milling around a grocery store and sampling food (sounds familiar). One time it was different kinds of frozen pizza, yesterday it was butter, and today it was kielbasa. After they come up with a winner this chef guy makes something using the winning ingredient. Homemade pizza one day, some roasted chicken with an herbed butter yesterday, and today he made and open faced kielbasa, pickle, and cheese sandwich (finally something Russian)
Can't say I've ever really made any Russian food at home, but thinking I could give it a try, eventually. Probably not kielbasa, pickle and cheese sandwiches, but maybe something below...
Pelmeni
Pelmeni are Russian poached pasties that have a meat filling.
Ingredients:
14 oz apples
10 oz bread
1 c milk
1 ea egg
3 tbsp butter
Method:
Peel apples and cut out cores, cube and sprinkle with sugar.
Slice a half of bread without crust finely (0.5 cm)
Cube another part of baread and dry a bit in the oven.
Whip milk with eggs and sugar and soak bread slices in the mixture.
Grease a pan with butter and arrange a half of bread slices tightly on it.
Combine apple cubes with bread cubes, add cinnamon to taste, fill in the pan, cover with the rest of bread slices and bake in the preheated oven. and sugt
I saw the chef I TV make something like this a few days ago and he used a spring-form pan, so I would recommend that.
Check out this site for a hundreds more recipes.
Can't say I've ever really made any Russian food at home, but thinking I could give it a try, eventually. Probably not kielbasa, pickle and cheese sandwiches, but maybe something below...
Pelmeni
Pelmeni are Russian poached pasties that have a meat filling.Ingredients:
2 c flour
1 c milk or water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 onion
salt and pepper to taste
Method:
1. Mix the meat and chopped onion, salt, and pepper, add a bit of milk. Reserve.
2. Mix flour with eggs and milk, salt and oil until a soft dough forms. Knead on floured surface until dough is elastic.
3. Take some dough and make a "sausage" (1 inch in diameter). Divide into pieces (1 inch thick). Roll each piece so that each is 1/16 inch thick.
4. Take a glass or a cup (2 inches in diameter) and make rounds with it's help on the dough. Fill each round with 1 teaspoon of the meat, fold into half-moons.
5. Pinch edges together and connect the opposite sides. Pelmeni can be frozen to be cooked later, or cooked immediately.
6. To cook pelmeni, boil a large amount of water, as they can stick to each other. Salt water. Carefully drop pelmeni into boiling water. Don't forget to stir them from time to time. Boil for 20 minutes.
Note...
I would boil them for half the time and then saute them in olive oil
Apple Babka
14 oz apples
10 oz bread
1 c milk
1 ea egg
3 tbsp butter
Method:
Peel apples and cut out cores, cube and sprinkle with sugar.
Slice a half of bread without crust finely (0.5 cm)
Cube another part of baread and dry a bit in the oven.
Whip milk with eggs and sugar and soak bread slices in the mixture.
Grease a pan with butter and arrange a half of bread slices tightly on it.
Combine apple cubes with bread cubes, add cinnamon to taste, fill in the pan, cover with the rest of bread slices and bake in the preheated oven. and sugt
I saw the chef I TV make something like this a few days ago and he used a spring-form pan, so I would recommend that.
Check out this site for a hundreds more recipes.
carry on
I think when you live in a place that is this cold for this long you just have to embrace it. I'm not talking about me I'm talking about the people that actually live here all the time. They could be miserable shut ins that just complained day in and day out about how the sun comes up so late and sets too early or how it's just always cold, but it doesn't feel that way here. It's going to be cold cold for five months, lets go with it. Let's build stuff out of ice and have some fun. Parents use sleds instead of strollers to get their children around, kids carry little plastic disk like sleds just waiting for something to slide down. Don your fur coat and hat, put on some high healed boots and have an adventure or just keep living life.
Here are a few photos I took yesterday. There are a whole bunch of detailed ice sculptures, a small skating rink, and a bunch of children's play equipment right in the middle of the city.
it snowed a bit the other day
I love the randomness here
Here are a few photos I took yesterday. There are a whole bunch of detailed ice sculptures, a small skating rink, and a bunch of children's play equipment right in the middle of the city.
it snowed a bit the other day
I love the randomness hereAs for me, I'm good. I would love for it to be February 7th right now, but it isn't so I just keep wandering the city, looking in shops, eating too much delicious chocolate, attempting to speak Russian, watching shows on hulu, harassing friends on facebook and skype, and taking random photos. I would not change a thing. Just think if I went home for this wait...how would I ever get back here? Ya'll have way to much snow. Speaking of snow, it's snowing pretty heavily here this afternoon. Unlike back home it never melts and starts over here. The snow just stays, so a fresh snow is kind of like a good bleaching...it makes everything all sparkly and new looking. Hoping it's just another dusting...
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