Day 12

Here's darling Nicholas (he no longer answers to Peter say the caregivers) discovering Dora. He knows all his colors and shapes, in Russian. I hope the language comes along quickly. My mom likes to say that I learned English in a month--it might have seemed that way. I hope so.

We kind of hit a wall in our stay today. We're about two weeks into it and are missing home. Justin's going a bit bonkers. This afternoon he was totally vegged, watching LA Confidential in Russian. Not a good sign. I have a smokers hack from the second-hand smoke that fills out apartment from the ventilation system (a pipe connecting all the bathrooms in the 10 story building).

But we're trying to stay positive. These are a couple of things I've heard my positive-thinking husband say, "nicotine in the bathroom is a great diarrhetic," and "pollution makes for great sunsets." Let's hope we can continue to stay on the sunny side. We miss everyone, especially our dear Sophie, SO MUCH!

Taking Musica to Another Level

This is the day I turned Nicky on to music. Sure, he’s had “musica” classes twice weekly since arriving at the orphanage more than a year ago. But the poor boy’s had limited exposure—mostly Russian polka I think. So when I woke up this morning and saw we had rain, I knew we’d be inside. I thought: This is the day. I left the girls at the apartment this morning… we couldn’t have any unnecessary distractions.

On the car ride over, I scrolled through my iPod, contemplating my options for indoctrinating the lad. Since he speaks nary a word of English, I wanted a largely instrumental piece. I toyed with Vivaldi for about 3 seconds, until arriving at Uncertain Smile by The The. Appropriately, I’m saving Dark Side of the Moon until the boy’s old enough to fully appreciate it. I think the pictures below capture the wistful wonderment that Matt Johnson was going for.

We went on to Travis and Ray LaMontagne before our visit was finished. I never let on the full import of the test Nicky was undergoing… saw no percentage in putting additional pressure on the boy. Needless to say, he passed. We have a keeper.

One week down--One week to go... Sort of

Today, Monday, May 7th, marks the halfway point in the bonding period of 15 days. I still can't believe it. After months of waiting, now things are happening quite quickly. We'll need need to complete our court appearance after the bonding period, but that should be just a few days.

We visited Nicholas this morning. Outside of the Baby House grounds is a school with "regular" kids. The older ones were marching and singing today. I think they might be part of the parade planned for Wednesday, Vicotory Day here in Kaz. Its celebrates the defeat of the Germans/Japanese and end of WWII. We've also seen many uniformed soldiers on the street in front of our apt, practicing as well.

Anyhow, Nicholas was very curious about the activity beyond the fence. I got this photo of him, and just love the inquisitive expression on his face.

Thanks for your prayers. Keep 'em coming. We met two other families today that are having some issues with their adoptions, so I am just so thankful for the protection and support of our friends and family.

BTW Sophie too is doing well. This week she is with the Beauchamp family, neighbors, friends, and fellow GE transferees. They, and the Iskowitz are doing a marvelous job caring for her--I just got her progress report (the school emails grades to us every day!) and she has the BEST grades yet this year! Wow, thanks Sophie! You know the peace it gives your Mom to know you're doing well!