Ooooo... a sneak peak! Introducing the Peanut's hand! And Papa's of course! :-)Today we had a sick little boy. Runny nose and a cough. We noticed he had a slight cough on Monday but I think all of the playing yesterday probably loosened things up. He was still very shy when he came in – no eye contact – but the difference this time is instead of just standing there with his head turned, he approached us. Once he got near, he turned around and backed into my lap.
We tried a few different things to get him to warm-up. The winner? Bubbles again. At one point, we switched from bubbles to cheerios and boy oh boy was he happy. We brought one of those travel bottles of cheerios with us, expecting that it would last us a few days – not 45 minutes! He fed Mama and Papa (with good eye contact) and allowed us to feed him. Keith would put the Peanut’s hand in his and tap a few out. After seeing that a few times, the Peanut started tapping on the bottom of the bottle at the same time as Keith. Too cute! He mimicked a lot of what Keith did. Keith would bend his head back and laugh, the Peanut did the same.
I got to change my first diaper today too! Not first ever, but first with the kiddo. I noticed he wasn’t feeling well when we first saw him but something else was wrong. When I picked him up I felt wet. If there is one thing we’ve noticed about the Peanut is that he likes everything to be just so otherwise he gets quiet, won’t make eye contact and frowns. When his shoe becomes unbuckled or his hat falls off – those things cause him to go to his “dark place” for lack of a better term. Almost ashamed, maybe?
We told our translator and she spoke to the caregiver who gave us a change of clothes for him. Apparently, since he is the youngest, he is the only one left in diapers. Since he is so small they have to go to a special distributor to get diapers his size. They require the caregivers to sign a log book each time they take a diaper. We changed his diaper, tights and shorts. The diaper weighed about a thousand pounds so he must have been long overdue for a change, thus his sad demeanor!
Back to the cheerios… that was pretty much all he wanted to do. We tried to hide them at one point and he found them in our bag. I told him no, all gone and he did not like that. Can you say meltdown? Crocodile tears, laying on the floor screaming. I picked him up and tried to calm him down. Being the pushover that I am, we got the cheerios back out again. I knew he was to have lunch right after and didn’t want him to spoil it but our translator reminded me that the amount of food they get is limited. If the kids around him eat faster, they get more food. Bad mommy moment. After eating the whole thing of cheerios the caregiver came in and told us he would have to go to lunch in 5 minutes. Our translator asked him if he wanted to go to lunch and that was answered with a firm and loud “DA!” (yes).
Speaking of da and nyet… The Peanut was feeding Keith a cheerio and Keith was being silly and holding it between his 2 teeth. The little guy waved his hand telling Keith to eat it and Keith continued to be silly. Then the Peanut says “NYET, PAPA!”. We both laughed so hard! He did not like that Daddy was playing with the cheerio.
Once he got almost to the bottom of the cheerio container he had a look of “oh no, now what??”. He dumped them all into my hands and then one by one put them back in the container. Then he dumped them all back out again, ate 2 or 3, and put the rest back in the container. After shaking the container a few times to ensure they were still there, he dumped them out again and ate them all. Once he realized they were all gone he was a bit sad but a ride on dad’s shoulders did the trick!
We looked through the picture book we brought and introduced the Peanut to his big brother. He got very wide eyed when we told him that was his brat. (No, Alex – you’re not the English word “brat” you’re the Russian word “brother” J) We got to the picture of the house and he said “Dom!”. We said “Yes, your home” (in Russian) and he says “NYET!” and shook his head fiercely. Out translator explained that he would be going there with mama, papa and brat and was that okay. He quickly nodded his head and said, “Da”..
It’s hard when they “know” what’s going on. When they have friends and attachments with caregivers and a schedule and are aware of everything as they go through their changes. Keith and I were talking today and we’re having a hard time because we feel like we’re letting him down on Friday. I’m going to talk to the psychologist on Friday to make sure that she understands how important it is for him to understand that we are coming back.
We just got done having all of our papers for court notarized and shortly we’ll be headed to Ron’s for dinner with our adoption friends. Tonight is some big soccer match (the finals, I guess?) and it’s two British teams – Chelsey vs. Manchester. Apparently the rivalry is one that dates back long ago. We’ve seen the beginnings of some friendly banter at the bars along Old Arbat but we know it’s going to heat up as the night progresses! Should make for an interesting evening around here!
Tomorrow we will not get to see the Peanut – bah humbug. We have our 8 dr medical and then our translator is going to take us to the high point of Moscow for some pictures. We’ll also be able to see the inside of Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Keith and I are hopefully going to venture to the big Russian’s children store tomorrow night in hopes of getting some Russian DVDs, music and whatever else strikes our fancy. We’d like to bring diapers for the Peanut to the orphanage on Friday as well so he’s taken care of while we’re gone.
Well, I’m typing this in the van on the way to the flat and we’re at about 2 pages. I think I’ve rambled enough!
Dasviadanye (or something like that!)
Becky
We tried a few different things to get him to warm-up. The winner? Bubbles again. At one point, we switched from bubbles to cheerios and boy oh boy was he happy. We brought one of those travel bottles of cheerios with us, expecting that it would last us a few days – not 45 minutes! He fed Mama and Papa (with good eye contact) and allowed us to feed him. Keith would put the Peanut’s hand in his and tap a few out. After seeing that a few times, the Peanut started tapping on the bottom of the bottle at the same time as Keith. Too cute! He mimicked a lot of what Keith did. Keith would bend his head back and laugh, the Peanut did the same.
I got to change my first diaper today too! Not first ever, but first with the kiddo. I noticed he wasn’t feeling well when we first saw him but something else was wrong. When I picked him up I felt wet. If there is one thing we’ve noticed about the Peanut is that he likes everything to be just so otherwise he gets quiet, won’t make eye contact and frowns. When his shoe becomes unbuckled or his hat falls off – those things cause him to go to his “dark place” for lack of a better term. Almost ashamed, maybe?
We told our translator and she spoke to the caregiver who gave us a change of clothes for him. Apparently, since he is the youngest, he is the only one left in diapers. Since he is so small they have to go to a special distributor to get diapers his size. They require the caregivers to sign a log book each time they take a diaper. We changed his diaper, tights and shorts. The diaper weighed about a thousand pounds so he must have been long overdue for a change, thus his sad demeanor!
Back to the cheerios… that was pretty much all he wanted to do. We tried to hide them at one point and he found them in our bag. I told him no, all gone and he did not like that. Can you say meltdown? Crocodile tears, laying on the floor screaming. I picked him up and tried to calm him down. Being the pushover that I am, we got the cheerios back out again. I knew he was to have lunch right after and didn’t want him to spoil it but our translator reminded me that the amount of food they get is limited. If the kids around him eat faster, they get more food. Bad mommy moment. After eating the whole thing of cheerios the caregiver came in and told us he would have to go to lunch in 5 minutes. Our translator asked him if he wanted to go to lunch and that was answered with a firm and loud “DA!” (yes).
Speaking of da and nyet… The Peanut was feeding Keith a cheerio and Keith was being silly and holding it between his 2 teeth. The little guy waved his hand telling Keith to eat it and Keith continued to be silly. Then the Peanut says “NYET, PAPA!”. We both laughed so hard! He did not like that Daddy was playing with the cheerio.
Once he got almost to the bottom of the cheerio container he had a look of “oh no, now what??”. He dumped them all into my hands and then one by one put them back in the container. Then he dumped them all back out again, ate 2 or 3, and put the rest back in the container. After shaking the container a few times to ensure they were still there, he dumped them out again and ate them all. Once he realized they were all gone he was a bit sad but a ride on dad’s shoulders did the trick!
We looked through the picture book we brought and introduced the Peanut to his big brother. He got very wide eyed when we told him that was his brat. (No, Alex – you’re not the English word “brat” you’re the Russian word “brother” J) We got to the picture of the house and he said “Dom!”. We said “Yes, your home” (in Russian) and he says “NYET!” and shook his head fiercely. Out translator explained that he would be going there with mama, papa and brat and was that okay. He quickly nodded his head and said, “Da”..
It’s hard when they “know” what’s going on. When they have friends and attachments with caregivers and a schedule and are aware of everything as they go through their changes. Keith and I were talking today and we’re having a hard time because we feel like we’re letting him down on Friday. I’m going to talk to the psychologist on Friday to make sure that she understands how important it is for him to understand that we are coming back.
We just got done having all of our papers for court notarized and shortly we’ll be headed to Ron’s for dinner with our adoption friends. Tonight is some big soccer match (the finals, I guess?) and it’s two British teams – Chelsey vs. Manchester. Apparently the rivalry is one that dates back long ago. We’ve seen the beginnings of some friendly banter at the bars along Old Arbat but we know it’s going to heat up as the night progresses! Should make for an interesting evening around here!
Tomorrow we will not get to see the Peanut – bah humbug. We have our 8 dr medical and then our translator is going to take us to the high point of Moscow for some pictures. We’ll also be able to see the inside of Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Keith and I are hopefully going to venture to the big Russian’s children store tomorrow night in hopes of getting some Russian DVDs, music and whatever else strikes our fancy. We’d like to bring diapers for the Peanut to the orphanage on Friday as well so he’s taken care of while we’re gone.
Well, I’m typing this in the van on the way to the flat and we’re at about 2 pages. I think I’ve rambled enough!
Dasviadanye (or something like that!)
Becky
34 comments:
2It sounds like things are going great! Congrats to you & your family :-) I am enjoying following your trip. Kelly
WOW! I made it in here before your comments got filled up! I'm so glad that things are going well, and that he is warming up to you. I hope your next visit goes just as well, and I hope you get that court date SOON. I know, it's difficult to leave...but it sounds like the caregivers will do all they can to keep you in his memory.
Becky- I love the photo you took! Yes,we are definitely going to have to talk when you get back... about everything. Your first trip and all you experience will be a wealth of info for me. Goo dluck on the 8 dr medical. I ambummed you will not get to see the Peanut, time is flying by so quickly!
What a precious little hand!I cannot wait to see the rest of him!Thanks for sharing,
Nicole
I have been reading your blog for the past few days. My husband and I are adopting from Russia, our Dossier is there now being translated. Its great to be able to read someones blog who is in the middle of their adoption process and gives us a heads up on somethings to expect! I am so glad things are going well and it seems each day he is getting more use to you. I am enjoying following your journey and will continue to do so. Denise
Your Peanut sounds adorable and so smart! I would imagine things will get hectic on the streets tonight with the big game so it sounds like a good night for dinner in. Ron has never done something like this before so it should be interesting! Ya'll have fun and I hope to meet you guys in person on Trip 2.
Paka!
Dinia
Becky - you're doing such a great job of letting us know what really happens...and it sounds like everything that is happening is going SO well! Peanut sounds like a real smarty - figuring things out so quickly. Maybe with a little rest today he'll be cold-free next time you see him. Hope your medical is easy-peasy! :) Thanks so much for letting us follow along!
What a sweet little hand. Sounds like you had another good day with the Peanut. It's amazing what they understand. Good luck with the 8 dr medical. Enjoy your sightseeing tomorrow.
Loved the "Nyet Pappa" cheerios story! I like a boy who takes his food seriously! No playing around-lets just eat it!
Sounds like another great day!!! Can't wait to hear some funny stories about the 8 doc medicals- I know you will have at least one to share!
Sounds like things are going so well with the Peanut! I know you'll miss him tomorrow. Good luck with the 8 doctor medical. You'll enjoy seeing the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It's beautiful!
YAY! Sounds like you had a great day and you are already figuring out how Peanut acts when upset or uncomfortable. Good for you!! You guys are going to be awesome parents and he is one lucky boy!!
Oh, he sounds absolutely adorable...and so smart too! I'm just now catching up on my blogs after some severe jet lag. I'm off to catch up on the last week of your journey.
Congrats!
Becky he sounds adorable and sounds like he has a great personality. How reassuring it must be to know they take such good care of him at the baby home.
I love that picture. It sound like Peanut is a great fit for your family.
Hi! What a great day you had with your little one! What a precious picture!! I am sorry you won't be able to see him tomorrow -It looks like he is going to miss you guys too! In a way, it is good that he is at an age that they can really help him understand that you will be back soon!
I am so happy for you that you made it official on paper!! Once you get home, I pray you get a really quick court date - I don't think there are any major holidays coming up - There always seems to be a holiday there!! Warmest wishes...Teresa
thanks for keeping us posted. it sounds like you are having a great time with peanut. I hate to tell ya, but they all get that runny nose there. But once you bring thme home, it magically disappears.
Okay this is the first that I have heard about a big Russian toy store. I want more details. I think you may have to write 2.5 or 3 pages next time.
Joy
Yay! Sounds like things are going really well. I am so happy for you guys. Good luck tomorrow with the 8 Dr exams. Can't wait for the next update!
Oh, how Cherrios brings families together! Oh- and go Manchester United!!!
Awesome photo! I can see that one being blown up and hanging on your wall someday. I have sooo enjoyed catching up on your blog. How very, very exciting!
Since we have requested a child his close to his age, I especially enjoy all the details you are providing about Peanut's reactions and how to get him to warm up to you. He seems to be very aware of everything and very smart too. Congratulations!!!
LOVE the picture of the hands! Your photography class is paying off nicely ;-)
Congratulations Becky and Keith!!! I didn't get to read your last post until now and I am in tears. I am sooo happy for you both! Becky, I am so glad for the 180.
I guess bubbles and cheerios are a MUST when Joe and I finally get to take our trip. I can't WAIT to see the peanut...I know his HAND looks adorable, can't wait to see the rest of him.
Renae and Joe
Okay.. finally I figure out how to post. I AM SO EXCITED BECKY that I read your blog atleast twice... I even got out the popcorn. Words cannot describe how thrilled I am. I truly cannot imagine what you are experiencing - by far a story that i will hold near and dear to my heart forever.
You have the knack for blogging....
THE PICTURES ARE AWESOME... BUT THE ONE OF THE HANDS IS TUGGING ON MY HEARTSTRINGS.. WOW....
I have you on my mind and can't wait to hear more... I love you to the middle of your bones... I am so happy for you, Keith, Alex & especially the Peanut!
Miss you - but don't want you to come home so you can keep the stories coming...
Shyra
I am so glad to hear things are going so well. He sounds like a wonderful little boy. I love the picture, too cute!
Wow, I'm comment #26 today. Boy, you do have some followers.
I'm so excited that your day went well. I know it will be hard not seeing your son tomorrow and having much downtime at the medical appointment. I hope you are able to get an okay quickly, so you can venture out into Moscow for sightseeing and shopping.
I loved that your son loves Cheerios and downed the container in 45 minutes. I guess he was hungry or making sure Keith wasn't going to gobble them up when he got back to the hotel. Hee Hee.
I loved the photo of the hands. Too precious.
What a great day. I love the photo. Too cute! Good luck with your medicals. I'm sure you will have some fun stories to tell! Enjoy sightseeing tomorrow. Your week is going by way too fast.
hey Becky it's Anna i just wanted to see how you and your peanut is doing. His hand is sooooo CUTE!!!!!
TTYL
ps........yes my daughter had no help with that.....you are touching so many people!! Shyra
Bubbles were a hit with our then 7 and 8 year old girls! I am so excited for you guys that even though your still there I can't wait for you guys to go back and bring Peanut home for good!
It sounds like everything is going so well. I love all your stories. It feels like I'm there in the room with you, the way you have described the cheerios and the way the peanut clung to Keith when the other little boy returned. Amazing details. You will be so thankful to have this written account. It's amazing how quickly I have forgotten details I didn't think was possible to forget.
It soulds like you're making great progres with him!! And I love tthe photo of Keith and Peanut's hand. I can only imagine what the rest of this sweet Peanut looks like!! :o)
Remember that the Russian DVD's are in a differetn format than the ones we get here. Our DVD's wouldn't work in the DVD player in our apartment. :o(
Keith and Beck - What great stories. The picture that you took of the Peanut and Keith's hands is breathtaking. I can't wait to see your little boy. Thank you for keeping us all updated (although I know writting it all down is helping you as much as it is informing us). Take care.. I know it will be hard to leave but you will be back!
~lynnda
I'm so glad your visit went well and that he let you play with him and have fun with him even though he was not feeling so good. I hope you enjoy your day in Moscow and that your visit on Friday goes well. I know it will be hard to leave, but hopefully his psychologist will help him understand that you will be back very soon to bring him home!
Looks like those photography classes paid off! Great picture. So, he's a little guy, huh? I can't wait until we get to see more in the pics!
Post a Comment