The antibiotics - whatever they are - seem to be clearing up whatever is affecting us, though Jer is still trying to get back to normal. But Jer is very happy, since he found some Necafe instant coffee - he has been having withdrawl symptoms...
Not too much to report today - pretty much the same routine. But I did give him some carrots this afternoon - and, well... let's just say that was an x-nay on the carrots. I told him him all about Cessna (the beagle at home, for those who might not know...) and explained to him while she may steal his food, he is not allowed to feed her carrots while mommy's not looking! Unfortunately, since she likes carrots and the baby doesn't, I think this might be a problem...
After taking him outside this afternoon, he started falling asleep in my lap. But he won't let himself - he's just not there yet. And I can't rock him long enough right now because it's too hard on my back without a glider. But, he did get himself quite comfortable. Maybe just a little more time...
But the best part of my day today was going shopping for some clothes! (Don't worry - I didn't buy too much, just some shorts and a couple pairs of pants to last us until we get home. As for size - I can't really say because I'm still guessing myself, plus the fact that he still has two months of growing before we bring him home. And, also, he's still not "ours" yet, so let's not jump the gun - OKAY NANA?)
As for name (and pictures), he is not ours so we are not allowed to give out that information, so "Mr Banana Head" will have to do for now. Patience please - all in good time!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Technical Difficulties
Due to technical difficulties (ie the power being out at the internet cafe), I was unable to post yesterday. But I'm back!
Yesterday, daddy was feeling not so well, and this morning, I had to go to the orphanage on my own because he was so sick. Another mother in the room with us (a couple adopting a little boy in his group, who are from Texas) had streph on Saturday, so I assuming he has the same thing. So, at lunchtime today, I brought our translator with me to the pharmacy to get some antibiotics. Normally, I would NEVER think of taking antibiotics without seeing a doctor, but since we are talking about streph - and even if he's not that serious, it's got to be the same bug, it's too much of a coincidence - there was little choice. I have no idea what they gave me - here's hoping it works! The worst part is, now I'm not feeling so hot. Good thing I got an extra pack of medicine for me! I actually got it in my system before him, and I think it is working - but man, am I wiped! It was a chore to drag myself to the internet cafe this evening.
We have settled into a bit of a routine with the baby - we (well, just me today) feed him, play with him for a little bit and get him moving, then take him outside and play and cuddle for a bit back inside before it's time to go. He was the same today. And I have no idea if he noticed daddy was missing - but he sure was saying "da da da da" this afternoon! Considering it's the only audible noise he makes, it's hard to say what that means.
Yesterday, daddy was feeling not so well, and this morning, I had to go to the orphanage on my own because he was so sick. Another mother in the room with us (a couple adopting a little boy in his group, who are from Texas) had streph on Saturday, so I assuming he has the same thing. So, at lunchtime today, I brought our translator with me to the pharmacy to get some antibiotics. Normally, I would NEVER think of taking antibiotics without seeing a doctor, but since we are talking about streph - and even if he's not that serious, it's got to be the same bug, it's too much of a coincidence - there was little choice. I have no idea what they gave me - here's hoping it works! The worst part is, now I'm not feeling so hot. Good thing I got an extra pack of medicine for me! I actually got it in my system before him, and I think it is working - but man, am I wiped! It was a chore to drag myself to the internet cafe this evening.
We have settled into a bit of a routine with the baby - we (well, just me today) feed him, play with him for a little bit and get him moving, then take him outside and play and cuddle for a bit back inside before it's time to go. He was the same today. And I have no idea if he noticed daddy was missing - but he sure was saying "da da da da" this afternoon! Considering it's the only audible noise he makes, it's hard to say what that means.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Mr. Smiles
Yes, "Mr. Serious" has slowly become Mr. Smiles! This morning, when I went and got him from his crib, he was full of smiles for me - and even more as I changed his diaper! Though admittedly, the serious face returned as soon as we took him outside - but not quite as serious. I just can't believe how far he's come along - in only a matter of days! I am really pleased with how well he is doing.
And what a difference even a day makes - this morning, when I put him down on the floor to crawl around, before I knew it, he had taken off and was half way across the room! I think we're in trouble...
He loves to stand, too. He doesn't want to sit - he just wants to stand! He loves to stand tall and look around. And, once he's had enough, he just likes to chill in our lap and look around.
Tommorrow is going to suck! On Sundays, we only get to go into the baby house in the morning, instead of morning and afternoon. It will give us a chance to do things like laundry - but I'd rather be with the baby!
And what a difference even a day makes - this morning, when I put him down on the floor to crawl around, before I knew it, he had taken off and was half way across the room! I think we're in trouble...
He loves to stand, too. He doesn't want to sit - he just wants to stand! He loves to stand tall and look around. And, once he's had enough, he just likes to chill in our lap and look around.
Tommorrow is going to suck! On Sundays, we only get to go into the baby house in the morning, instead of morning and afternoon. It will give us a chance to do things like laundry - but I'd rather be with the baby!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Mr. Cuddles
Today was a much better day. He has thing where he doesn't want to work - crawl, sit, stand - and he gets easily overwhelmed. This morning, mostly he just wanted to be held. Which is fine with me, because I, of course, love every minute of it. But my back can't take it! He loves to rock, but I can only do it for so long because I have to either walk around or rock him in a chair with no back. I think my first investment when we get back home is in a glider - not a rocker, but a glider. I am already picturing many nights, rocking him to sleep...
He does this thing where he will crawl one or two steps and then start rocking himself back and forth. This is a sign of... well, I'm not entirely sure, but I know it's a sign of some sort of stress, and he has taught himself self-soothing by rocking himself. He also tends to do this as soon as we put him in the crib - but since we have been cuddling him, the self-soothing seems to be slowing down a little. And, this afternoon, when he started rocking when he was supposed to be crawling, I was on the floor next to him and started rubbing his back. This seemed to help - and the next thing I knew, he was half way across the room! He seems to be a lot more adventuress and more confident since we have been working with him.
He's still not sure of being outside, since he's been outside more in the past few days than his entire life before that, but we kept him in our arms and he seemed a lot more comfortable being outside than he was even yesterday. Small strides, but huge gains.
As for the "name game", his name has already been decided and given to the appropriate people - and no, we are not saying what it is yet. Again, we are only on day 5 of our bonding, which is only the first step in a long line of paperwork and process.
He does this thing where he will crawl one or two steps and then start rocking himself back and forth. This is a sign of... well, I'm not entirely sure, but I know it's a sign of some sort of stress, and he has taught himself self-soothing by rocking himself. He also tends to do this as soon as we put him in the crib - but since we have been cuddling him, the self-soothing seems to be slowing down a little. And, this afternoon, when he started rocking when he was supposed to be crawling, I was on the floor next to him and started rubbing his back. This seemed to help - and the next thing I knew, he was half way across the room! He seems to be a lot more adventuress and more confident since we have been working with him.
He's still not sure of being outside, since he's been outside more in the past few days than his entire life before that, but we kept him in our arms and he seemed a lot more comfortable being outside than he was even yesterday. Small strides, but huge gains.
As for the "name game", his name has already been decided and given to the appropriate people - and no, we are not saying what it is yet. Again, we are only on day 5 of our bonding, which is only the first step in a long line of paperwork and process.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Glad everyone is okay
Hey all - just heard about the earthquake. I am hoping everyone is okay. Thinking of you all - but if the worst thing is Jer losing a couple planes, it's all good - though I don't think he'll feel that way when we get home...
This morning, when we went into the room with all the crips to get him, there was most definitely a gleam of recognition - and his face actually seemed to brighten! And when daddy played with him while changing his diaper, he was full of smiles! He is definitely getting used to us.
This afternoon didn't go as well. We took him outside - and since he's been outside more times in the past few days than he has in his entire life, he is still unsure about being in a strange environment. Also, we have been making him work (crawling, standing - which, by the way, he loves, sitting) and I think he was feeling a little overwhelmed. All he wanted to do was roll around in the walker, like he used to. I didn't let him stay in there for long - he needs to get used to us.
That being said, I can already see a difference in him. He is crawling a lot further and exploring more, instead of just studying us. We even managed to get him to sit on his own - instead of leaning back on us like he would in the walker, even if it was only for a short time.
This "saying good-bye" at the end of the day is even harder then I ever imagined! I was in tears when we got back to the apartment - I just want my baby! But, all good things come to those who wait. I've waited this long, I can wait a few more weeks...
I should also say, as hard as it is, I know that he is getting excellent care and being well taken care of - just not as well as I would like, and he certainly isn't getting the one-on-one he needs. But, soon!
This morning, when we went into the room with all the crips to get him, there was most definitely a gleam of recognition - and his face actually seemed to brighten! And when daddy played with him while changing his diaper, he was full of smiles! He is definitely getting used to us.
This afternoon didn't go as well. We took him outside - and since he's been outside more times in the past few days than he has in his entire life, he is still unsure about being in a strange environment. Also, we have been making him work (crawling, standing - which, by the way, he loves, sitting) and I think he was feeling a little overwhelmed. All he wanted to do was roll around in the walker, like he used to. I didn't let him stay in there for long - he needs to get used to us.
That being said, I can already see a difference in him. He is crawling a lot further and exploring more, instead of just studying us. We even managed to get him to sit on his own - instead of leaning back on us like he would in the walker, even if it was only for a short time.
This "saying good-bye" at the end of the day is even harder then I ever imagined! I was in tears when we got back to the apartment - I just want my baby! But, all good things come to those who wait. I've waited this long, I can wait a few more weeks...
I should also say, as hard as it is, I know that he is getting excellent care and being well taken care of - just not as well as I would like, and he certainly isn't getting the one-on-one he needs. But, soon!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Sad Mommy & Mr. Banana Head
First, I would like to say that I am having the time of my life! I miss home, but I am enjoying every minute of this expereince of a lifetime while it lasts. But, the worst part of my day right now is 4:00, when I have to say good-bye and I am reminded that he is not yet officially ours. But the best part is going to bed, knowing that I will wake up and get to see my baby again - and I am one day closer to bringing him home!
Mr. Banana Head is 11 months old, so he will be celebrating his first birthday before we bring him home. I am hoping we will be able to bring him back with us to the apartment before then, but we'll see. It's hard to say how long all the paperwork will take.
And I say Mr. Banana Head because, upon the recomendation of the doctor yesterday, we brought him some baby food bananas - and he loved them! At first, he was unsure of what it was - but he was quickly opening his mouth as wide as he could, looking for more. I think tomorrow we must bring the video camera to get his reaction on tape!
What a difference a day makes! I said he is 11 months - but he is definitely behind where he should be. This is a product of being premature and his environment - but I remember a certain oldest nephew walking at 11 months, and this kid barely crawls! Then again, the only mobility he's really known is in the old-style walkers (think execer-saucer with wheels), and hasn't had the opportunity to learn any different. We've been getting him moving though, and he's definitely coming along already - yesterday we couldn't get him to stand on his feet, but today - just 24 hours later - he was standing, and loving it! I can see it won't take much. Who knows - with any luck, he may just be walking by the time we bring him home!
And, Uncle Dave, Jeremy says that he is not that pathetic of a Gordon fan - but he is rather fond of his birthday...
Mr. Banana Head is 11 months old, so he will be celebrating his first birthday before we bring him home. I am hoping we will be able to bring him back with us to the apartment before then, but we'll see. It's hard to say how long all the paperwork will take.
And I say Mr. Banana Head because, upon the recomendation of the doctor yesterday, we brought him some baby food bananas - and he loved them! At first, he was unsure of what it was - but he was quickly opening his mouth as wide as he could, looking for more. I think tomorrow we must bring the video camera to get his reaction on tape!
What a difference a day makes! I said he is 11 months - but he is definitely behind where he should be. This is a product of being premature and his environment - but I remember a certain oldest nephew walking at 11 months, and this kid barely crawls! Then again, the only mobility he's really known is in the old-style walkers (think execer-saucer with wheels), and hasn't had the opportunity to learn any different. We've been getting him moving though, and he's definitely coming along already - yesterday we couldn't get him to stand on his feet, but today - just 24 hours later - he was standing, and loving it! I can see it won't take much. Who knows - with any luck, he may just be walking by the time we bring him home!
And, Uncle Dave, Jeremy says that he is not that pathetic of a Gordon fan - but he is rather fond of his birthday...
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Mr. Serious
This baby definitely means business! He has such a serious expression all the time - and he is definitely alert and aware of his surroundings. Today, when trying to feed him, he was a typical curious little boy, more interested in what was going on around him than eating his breakfast! He looks around and takes in his surroundings before he does anything - all with a serious face! But daddy did some "airplanes" in the air with him and he finally started smiling.
This afternoon, we met the little girl we were originally supposed to see - and quickly sent her back. We then met with the doctor about our little guy, and all seems well. We thought he was a little small for his age - which the doctor confirmed - but we also found out he was born premature, which would explain it. It also explains why he's not nearly as mobile as we might otherwise expect for his age, but that's also a symptom of being in the orphanage. But once we start working with him, he will be a-okay! And make him work we did! We played the "toy out of reach game" and he fell for it every time!
We fed him and changed his diaper today - diapers we had to provide. Even daddy changed a diaper this afternoon - and yes, I have pictures to prove it! Of course, we'll see what happens when it's a poopy diaper! And, for all you males out there - REAL MEN CHANGE DIAPERS!
I have to say it is heart-breaking watching the other babies, as they are literally tied to their potty after feeding. It's even harder to think of my own baby when mommy's not there! Hopefully, they will have find homes someday soon!
ANd good news on the weather front - the last two days have cooled down considerably and have been comfortable to sleep! Awesome!
This afternoon, we met the little girl we were originally supposed to see - and quickly sent her back. We then met with the doctor about our little guy, and all seems well. We thought he was a little small for his age - which the doctor confirmed - but we also found out he was born premature, which would explain it. It also explains why he's not nearly as mobile as we might otherwise expect for his age, but that's also a symptom of being in the orphanage. But once we start working with him, he will be a-okay! And make him work we did! We played the "toy out of reach game" and he fell for it every time!
We fed him and changed his diaper today - diapers we had to provide. Even daddy changed a diaper this afternoon - and yes, I have pictures to prove it! Of course, we'll see what happens when it's a poopy diaper! And, for all you males out there - REAL MEN CHANGE DIAPERS!
I have to say it is heart-breaking watching the other babies, as they are literally tied to their potty after feeding. It's even harder to think of my own baby when mommy's not there! Hopefully, they will have find homes someday soon!
ANd good news on the weather front - the last two days have cooled down considerably and have been comfortable to sleep! Awesome!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Baby House, Day 1
Okay, so here's the deal - before we left, we were told we were going to see a seven-month old little girl. But, we were later told she had a heart condition - so we knew it was a no-go on her.
When we arrived on Friday, we were told we would being seeing the little girl, and a second child - a little boy. So, today, after three hours of waiting outside the Department of Education for our letter of permission to enter the baby house, we met with the little boy. And yes, it looks like we will be accepting him - but we still have to see the little girl tommorrow and go over his medical file (we've been told that he is in the "normal" range, though I can already see that he is a little developmentally behind where we would imagine he should be, though that will change as soon as we can start working with him.)
At this point, we are not going to give any more details, since he he is still a long way from being officially "ours". Give us until the 14-day bonding period is over and the judge puts his stamp of approval on it. I know, I know - you all want pictures - but we haven't even officially said "yes" yet, so patience please.
What I will say is - what an emtional experience! First of all, for whatever reason, I thought the baby I was being handed was the little girl, so I didn't want to get too attached, since I knew we were saying no. Second, he was a little out of sorts about being around these strangers, he scremed as soon as he was in my arms - and had a sourpuss face the whole time, even once he settled down. I think he was tired. But, by the end, I tucked him into his crip for his nap and gave him a kiss goodbye. At one point, he even tucked into daddy's chest.
And, I wanted to let you all know - I apologize if I don't respond to the comments individually. Please believe me when I say, the connection is so painfully slow here, it takes 20 minutes just to get started! But know that we are reading every comment and appreciate all the support.
When we arrived on Friday, we were told we would being seeing the little girl, and a second child - a little boy. So, today, after three hours of waiting outside the Department of Education for our letter of permission to enter the baby house, we met with the little boy. And yes, it looks like we will be accepting him - but we still have to see the little girl tommorrow and go over his medical file (we've been told that he is in the "normal" range, though I can already see that he is a little developmentally behind where we would imagine he should be, though that will change as soon as we can start working with him.)
At this point, we are not going to give any more details, since he he is still a long way from being officially "ours". Give us until the 14-day bonding period is over and the judge puts his stamp of approval on it. I know, I know - you all want pictures - but we haven't even officially said "yes" yet, so patience please.
What I will say is - what an emtional experience! First of all, for whatever reason, I thought the baby I was being handed was the little girl, so I didn't want to get too attached, since I knew we were saying no. Second, he was a little out of sorts about being around these strangers, he scremed as soon as he was in my arms - and had a sourpuss face the whole time, even once he settled down. I think he was tired. But, by the end, I tucked him into his crip for his nap and gave him a kiss goodbye. At one point, he even tucked into daddy's chest.
And, I wanted to let you all know - I apologize if I don't respond to the comments individually. Please believe me when I say, the connection is so painfully slow here, it takes 20 minutes just to get started! But know that we are reading every comment and appreciate all the support.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A walk in the park...
Today, we were taken on a small tour of the city with a student studying english translation. Her english was actually quite good and we went through Karaganda's "Central Park". Unfortunately, we had to cut it a little short because it was so HOT!!! I am talking 30 degrees + (35, 37 the past two days) and it's only June! Supposedly, it will get hotter...
And, small world - as we are sitting here at the internet cafe, there are four American couples who are also adopting sitting behind us... don't know if we are at the same orphanage, but we will find out tomorrow.
Hope everyone is enjoying father's day!
Deb
And, small world - as we are sitting here at the internet cafe, there are four American couples who are also adopting sitting behind us... don't know if we are at the same orphanage, but we will find out tomorrow.
Hope everyone is enjoying father's day!
Deb
Saturday, June 19, 2010
We have arrived!!
Hello all!
Right now, we are in an internet cafe, in Karagandy, Kazakhstan, enjoying lunch - while you are all sound asleep (or at least I hope so, since it is 4am in Toronto...).
We arrived last night in Karagandy, and for now are in a hotel room. - which is very hot!! The hotel is nice, but there is no AC, and it is hot!
We were told by our co-ordinator that since today is a holiday here, we will not be going to the orphanage until Monday, when there will be two different children we will be seeing. For today, we are being escorted around by Natasha, our co-ordinator's daughter, and we will going downtown with two women who need "language practice" tommorrow. We were taken to a mall across from our hotel which will be perfect to buy food and baby clothes once we choose our child.
Hope all is well back home!!
Right now, we are in an internet cafe, in Karagandy, Kazakhstan, enjoying lunch - while you are all sound asleep (or at least I hope so, since it is 4am in Toronto...).
We arrived last night in Karagandy, and for now are in a hotel room. - which is very hot!! The hotel is nice, but there is no AC, and it is hot!
We were told by our co-ordinator that since today is a holiday here, we will not be going to the orphanage until Monday, when there will be two different children we will be seeing. For today, we are being escorted around by Natasha, our co-ordinator's daughter, and we will going downtown with two women who need "language practice" tommorrow. We were taken to a mall across from our hotel which will be perfect to buy food and baby clothes once we choose our child.
Hope all is well back home!!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Welcome!!
Welcome to the Slater blog, Kazakhstan 2010!
Here, we will do our very best to keep everybody updated and informed on our journey to parenthood. Check often - but also keep in mind we will be 10 hours ahead of Toronto time. And who knows how great our internet access will be!
See you on the flip side!!
Here, we will do our very best to keep everybody updated and informed on our journey to parenthood. Check often - but also keep in mind we will be 10 hours ahead of Toronto time. And who knows how great our internet access will be!
See you on the flip side!!
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