Saturday in the Park

Isn’t that an old Chicago tune? Well, it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, or a picnic today for that matter, but we did go for quite a stroll this morning. We bundled up the babies and headed for the school next door (in total view of the babyhouse) and walked around the track several times. My back was telling me that Kairat has definitely gained some weight! He loves to go outside. He is mesmerized by all there is to see and the cool breeze. Had a nice 20 minutes or so of happy baby. The rest of the day, he was pretty fussy. Again. Not happy being held, not happy being put down, not happy with this toy or that one. But just the opposite the next minute. It was a nice feeling to put him down on the blanket and have him immediately turn around and try to climb back in my arms, even if he was crying the whole way. He is teething like crazy. In the past month, 5 more teeth have come in or are just surfacing. He really isn’t feeling well and his little chest sounds congested all of the time and listening to him breathe is alarming. The head nanny in his baby room confirmed he has had a cold and its getting better every day, however. “Nothing to worry about.” Yeah right! You are talking to a nearly new Mom here! I’m going to be worrying about everything!


That's a 9-month size outfit that I left here last trip and it is too big for him! Looks like I may need to find some 6-month clothes afterall!

I did some court prep today with the coordinator and translator. Court is scheduled for Monday at 10:00am. The translator, Ainura, is very good. While this will be her first time in court (mine too), I have every confidence that she will do just fine. Hope I will do the same! She and I went through my speech this morning and I will give her a copy of it tomorrow so she can work on the translation. I was quite impressed when she just started reading my speech out loud in English and didn’t falter on a single word and definitely understood it. She also told me something wonderful today. She said how “it is like sunshine” for her to see how happy I am with Kairat, along with the other mothers and their babies, and she can’t stop smiling. She didn’t even know that an orphanage existed in Aqtobe and now she is getting to be a part of bringing families together. Very sweet girl.

I confirmed who I needed to give gifts to at the babyhouse, so I can finish up that shopping when I am home. I have decided to leave Aqtobe Tuesday morning and return at the beginning of October. It will likely be a rough couple of weeks our first weeks together in Kaz as we get reacquainted and I learn all about my baby’s wants and needs. Where is that manual, anyway? Or the traveling supernanny?! I need her on speed dial at minimum – 24-hour worldwide tech support please! I can do this, I can do this, I CAN do this!