Saturday, April 18, 2009
Easy Day #3
4/18/2009
Well, Nina awakened with a sore knee this morning. We have been doing so much walking and she simply is accustomed to it. We walked around a bit and stopped at McDonald's for coffee. We shopped! She quickly getting the hang of that. She picked out a purse (on sale... good girl!) and some sunglasses (which she did not remove the entire day) and a book and some barretts. I selected a little outfit for her as well. Clothes are NOT cheap here in Kiev, but it was so fun. When I gave her the little items (purse, sunglasses, etc.) she held them close to her body and said, "Nina's?" She had the biggest and brightest smile on her face when she said it. I felt a nudge to buy her so much more, but I resisted. We took some pictures today. Hopefully those will post soon. It was a relatively easy day. We went to this great park, and she climbed the stairs to slide once. Then, she came and sat down in the sand. We played together. Tomorrow, we might try to find some sand toys. She is craving time with other children. I hope the desire continues until we meet Mia, Karly and Wiley and all of our kid-friends back home. She will love all of them. One of our friends sent me an email that said her daughter was wondering when Nina was coming home because she wants to "get used to playing with her." I love the ready-to-receive spirits of children!
After we played in the sand, we sat in front of St. Michael's Cathedral and I got to talk on the telephone! What a joy! Nina had some time to just play without my entertainment, and that is good too. My mom called me and Jordan too! I relished the time to speak English with loved ones and I didn't want to let them go.
We had lunch at another of our favorite places: a little bakery/deli around the corner from our apartment. (Nina and I will have to diet when we get home! They have wonderful pasteries!) We came back to the apartment for some "down time" and I had so much stuff in my arms that Nina had to climb the stairs on her own. She was NOT happy about that. But, I couldn't leave her or our stuff. So, I made her climb the two floors up to our apartment. Once she reached the top, she was very proud of her accomplishment. We rested and had dinner.
This evening, she really wanted to go outside. So, we ventured outside. There's a little park outside our apartment door. It's a few benches and little green patches and flowers and trees. Apparently, all of the living spaces surround these little parks/sitting areas. And, there are always people there... sitting, visiting, eating, smoking, drinking. So, we walked around and around and around and around (you get the idea.) Then, Nina said her tummy was hurting so we took a bench. A man was already sitting there and he proceeded to start talking to us... ugh! I love that people will talk to you, but it's so frustrating not being able to reciprocate the conversation. We did communicate some. He asked about Nina's foot (of course). He also asked how old "we" are!?!? He told us he was 48 and studied in London for two years. He was eating a loaf of bread and offered us some. This is very common. Everyone is very quick to share, and it's an insult not to accept their offer. So, we did. It was a very dark bread (very fresh) with black olives and some kind of seeds. It had something like a licorice flavor to it... I think they might have been Anise seeds. Anyway, it was very flavorful, and Nina LOVED it. I asked where it came it from and he directed me across the street. We will go tomorrow, because the man asked if Iwas married?????? I said "yes" and he quickly left--it also was starting to rain. We came straight back into the apartment.
Nina loves taking baths. She lights up when she gets into the water. I let her play until she was a prunish and cold! But, once she got out and dry and into bed, she was quickly asleep... by 7:40pm! We have this book that I read to her, and she already pulls it out like it's routine. I read that one and another, and she was out! Hopefully, I will be asleep soon and we will go to church tomorrow!
Well, Nina awakened with a sore knee this morning. We have been doing so much walking and she simply is accustomed to it. We walked around a bit and stopped at McDonald's for coffee. We shopped! She quickly getting the hang of that. She picked out a purse (on sale... good girl!) and some sunglasses (which she did not remove the entire day) and a book and some barretts. I selected a little outfit for her as well. Clothes are NOT cheap here in Kiev, but it was so fun. When I gave her the little items (purse, sunglasses, etc.) she held them close to her body and said, "Nina's?" She had the biggest and brightest smile on her face when she said it. I felt a nudge to buy her so much more, but I resisted. We took some pictures today. Hopefully those will post soon. It was a relatively easy day. We went to this great park, and she climbed the stairs to slide once. Then, she came and sat down in the sand. We played together. Tomorrow, we might try to find some sand toys. She is craving time with other children. I hope the desire continues until we meet Mia, Karly and Wiley and all of our kid-friends back home. She will love all of them. One of our friends sent me an email that said her daughter was wondering when Nina was coming home because she wants to "get used to playing with her." I love the ready-to-receive spirits of children!
After we played in the sand, we sat in front of St. Michael's Cathedral and I got to talk on the telephone! What a joy! Nina had some time to just play without my entertainment, and that is good too. My mom called me and Jordan too! I relished the time to speak English with loved ones and I didn't want to let them go.
We had lunch at another of our favorite places: a little bakery/deli around the corner from our apartment. (Nina and I will have to diet when we get home! They have wonderful pasteries!) We came back to the apartment for some "down time" and I had so much stuff in my arms that Nina had to climb the stairs on her own. She was NOT happy about that. But, I couldn't leave her or our stuff. So, I made her climb the two floors up to our apartment. Once she reached the top, she was very proud of her accomplishment. We rested and had dinner.
This evening, she really wanted to go outside. So, we ventured outside. There's a little park outside our apartment door. It's a few benches and little green patches and flowers and trees. Apparently, all of the living spaces surround these little parks/sitting areas. And, there are always people there... sitting, visiting, eating, smoking, drinking. So, we walked around and around and around and around (you get the idea.) Then, Nina said her tummy was hurting so we took a bench. A man was already sitting there and he proceeded to start talking to us... ugh! I love that people will talk to you, but it's so frustrating not being able to reciprocate the conversation. We did communicate some. He asked about Nina's foot (of course). He also asked how old "we" are!?!? He told us he was 48 and studied in London for two years. He was eating a loaf of bread and offered us some. This is very common. Everyone is very quick to share, and it's an insult not to accept their offer. So, we did. It was a very dark bread (very fresh) with black olives and some kind of seeds. It had something like a licorice flavor to it... I think they might have been Anise seeds. Anyway, it was very flavorful, and Nina LOVED it. I asked where it came it from and he directed me across the street. We will go tomorrow, because the man asked if Iwas married?????? I said "yes" and he quickly left--it also was starting to rain. We came straight back into the apartment.
Nina loves taking baths. She lights up when she gets into the water. I let her play until she was a prunish and cold! But, once she got out and dry and into bed, she was quickly asleep... by 7:40pm! We have this book that I read to her, and she already pulls it out like it's routine. I read that one and another, and she was out! Hopefully, I will be asleep soon and we will go to church tomorrow!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Full Day #2 in Kiev
4/17/2009
Well, Nina had a restless night’s sleep. She awakened at 6:30am on the dot! She asked to go to the bathroom, and then I directed her back to bed. She played for a bit, then I woke up! Apparently, she and I both fell back to sleep for the second time. She awakened shortly after me at almost 10am! Amazing! We both needed the extra sleep. We had breakfast and the girl was ready to go! So, we went outside by 11:00am and started the morning. We had breakfast at our favorite little French place around the corner (that’s the life, right??!!) We continue to receive funny looks and hear whispering as people walk past, but I am getting used to it. We walked all over the city today and shopped on the street for little memorabilia for Nina, Karly, Mia and Wiley. An elderly lady saw Nina sitting in the stroller and told her she was "beautiful." I love to hear that word spoken to her. It sounds like "kraseeva." She asked me if she could give Nina a piece of candy. I know we were taught not to take candy from strangers, but today I needed to!
Nina climbed to the TOP of the stairs at St. Andrew's Church… that was a feat. She was filthy and tired afterward and asked to ride in the stroller. I celebrated her achievement by directing her eyes to the top of the stairs, and she seemed to understand. We stopped for ice cream at McDonald’s. It does not seem that she has had an ice cream cone before… I had to teach her, who better than the master of sweets!
We stopped a local bread shop in the city center and squished in the door (with the stroller.) People are so pushy, but a distinguished lady offered to hold the door open for us so that we could enter... there are nice people in the world after all! The line was terrible, but we took our place and waited. We bought some kind of brown bread (think, ordering in a deli in New York--pressure!) and some little unsalted pretzel-like things. (They had them in the orphanage.) When I showed Nina, a huge smile crossed her face. It was grand. We exited the bread shop and proceeded into the city center. She then decided to disobey me and threw her body on the ground. (What’s a new mom to do?) I stepped about 3 steps away from her with my back turned (only briefly), and she quickly called "mama!" She was unable to get up, and also realized that she had made the wrong choice. (Parenting is so hard. Surviving public scrutiny with a physically challenged child in a foreign country has proven even harder.)
Ok, so we walked some more… she loves the underground shopping area and the city center. She got to play in the dirt… more scrutiny incurred since no one else allows their children to do that in the city center! We were walking home a different direction and found a little bakery/coffee shop. We had dinner there only because it smelled good and I was completely spent. There was an elderly lady cleaning up the bakery. She stopped and talked to us. I couldn't understand her, but I could tell she was saying something kind. (Nina understood her!!) She gave Nina some little chocolates and continued to pass us while she worked and talk to us. I still didn't understand her, but I could just sense she was a precious lady and she was saying kind things. And, that was all I needed in that moment of our day.
We walked some more and headed to buy fruit (we are trying strawberries tomorrow) and toilet paper. Yes, we bought a roll of toilet paper off a street vendor for 1 grivna (one Ukrainian dollar) which is equivalent (today, of course, as it changes daily) to 12.5 cents in USD! I should have bought two! Anyway, we arrived home very tired.
We washed our hands and started to settle in for the night when Natalia called. She asked to take us to the large grocery store. I reluctantly agreed. We got ready, but I could tell Nina was beat. In the car, she crawled into her emotional "shell." She snuggled into my arms and would not respond to Natalia's attempted conversation. In the store, Natalia asked Nina if she did not want to ride in the shopping cart. Nina told her no. I had to object. I could not shop and carry Nina around the store. She is too heavy. I don't think Natalia liked this, but Nina was ok with it, I think. She interacted with me during our store visit with smiles. We left and came back to the apartment. Nina bathed... she loves baths! Natalia and I set up the USB modem for tonight. I'm not sure it will last because of the constant need to buy these "minutes" out on street and add them threw my cell phone. It's pretty complicated.
Nina is asleep, but she had a hard time going to sleep. She told Natalia that I needed to sleep with her! Dependence is a good thing! I guess she is beginning to trust me and rely on me.
We have good food in the apartment for a change. And, Nina tried out the ham tonight and ate two large slices. She asked for more, but I told her no. I think she really loves meat! She does NOT like cheese nor milk. HMMMMMMM.....
That's all for today. I will try to remember the camera tomorrow along with the stroller, Nina, my purse and a bag for purchases... Good night!
Well, Nina had a restless night’s sleep. She awakened at 6:30am on the dot! She asked to go to the bathroom, and then I directed her back to bed. She played for a bit, then I woke up! Apparently, she and I both fell back to sleep for the second time. She awakened shortly after me at almost 10am! Amazing! We both needed the extra sleep. We had breakfast and the girl was ready to go! So, we went outside by 11:00am and started the morning. We had breakfast at our favorite little French place around the corner (that’s the life, right??!!) We continue to receive funny looks and hear whispering as people walk past, but I am getting used to it. We walked all over the city today and shopped on the street for little memorabilia for Nina, Karly, Mia and Wiley. An elderly lady saw Nina sitting in the stroller and told her she was "beautiful." I love to hear that word spoken to her. It sounds like "kraseeva." She asked me if she could give Nina a piece of candy. I know we were taught not to take candy from strangers, but today I needed to!
Nina climbed to the TOP of the stairs at St. Andrew's Church… that was a feat. She was filthy and tired afterward and asked to ride in the stroller. I celebrated her achievement by directing her eyes to the top of the stairs, and she seemed to understand. We stopped for ice cream at McDonald’s. It does not seem that she has had an ice cream cone before… I had to teach her, who better than the master of sweets!
We stopped a local bread shop in the city center and squished in the door (with the stroller.) People are so pushy, but a distinguished lady offered to hold the door open for us so that we could enter... there are nice people in the world after all! The line was terrible, but we took our place and waited. We bought some kind of brown bread (think, ordering in a deli in New York--pressure!) and some little unsalted pretzel-like things. (They had them in the orphanage.) When I showed Nina, a huge smile crossed her face. It was grand. We exited the bread shop and proceeded into the city center. She then decided to disobey me and threw her body on the ground. (What’s a new mom to do?) I stepped about 3 steps away from her with my back turned (only briefly), and she quickly called "mama!" She was unable to get up, and also realized that she had made the wrong choice. (Parenting is so hard. Surviving public scrutiny with a physically challenged child in a foreign country has proven even harder.)
Ok, so we walked some more… she loves the underground shopping area and the city center. She got to play in the dirt… more scrutiny incurred since no one else allows their children to do that in the city center! We were walking home a different direction and found a little bakery/coffee shop. We had dinner there only because it smelled good and I was completely spent. There was an elderly lady cleaning up the bakery. She stopped and talked to us. I couldn't understand her, but I could tell she was saying something kind. (Nina understood her!!) She gave Nina some little chocolates and continued to pass us while she worked and talk to us. I still didn't understand her, but I could just sense she was a precious lady and she was saying kind things. And, that was all I needed in that moment of our day.
We walked some more and headed to buy fruit (we are trying strawberries tomorrow) and toilet paper. Yes, we bought a roll of toilet paper off a street vendor for 1 grivna (one Ukrainian dollar) which is equivalent (today, of course, as it changes daily) to 12.5 cents in USD! I should have bought two! Anyway, we arrived home very tired.
We washed our hands and started to settle in for the night when Natalia called. She asked to take us to the large grocery store. I reluctantly agreed. We got ready, but I could tell Nina was beat. In the car, she crawled into her emotional "shell." She snuggled into my arms and would not respond to Natalia's attempted conversation. In the store, Natalia asked Nina if she did not want to ride in the shopping cart. Nina told her no. I had to object. I could not shop and carry Nina around the store. She is too heavy. I don't think Natalia liked this, but Nina was ok with it, I think. She interacted with me during our store visit with smiles. We left and came back to the apartment. Nina bathed... she loves baths! Natalia and I set up the USB modem for tonight. I'm not sure it will last because of the constant need to buy these "minutes" out on street and add them threw my cell phone. It's pretty complicated.
Nina is asleep, but she had a hard time going to sleep. She told Natalia that I needed to sleep with her! Dependence is a good thing! I guess she is beginning to trust me and rely on me.
We have good food in the apartment for a change. And, Nina tried out the ham tonight and ate two large slices. She asked for more, but I told her no. I think she really loves meat! She does NOT like cheese nor milk. HMMMMMMM.....
That's all for today. I will try to remember the camera tomorrow along with the stroller, Nina, my purse and a bag for purchases... Good night!
Mom and Nina in Kiev
4/16/2009
Nina is napping, and just as with the others, I am relishing this quiet time. She had a very rough morning, although she is still so incredibly amazing. I have learned her “currency”… her shoes. When she misbehaves, I can take her shoe off very calmly. She does not like this. She will concede and so far obey. I only use that for things like playing with the washing machine, sticking her fingers in plugs, trying to open the back door to the balcony, turning the gas stove on… dangerous things.
She does eat dirt. I have not figured that one out. I think it is a sign of defiance, because the caregivers were very concerned about the children staying clean. I don’t think she was really allowed in the dirt. But, at the park this morning, she put it into her and chewed it. I thought it was gross and told her so. She continued to eat it and laugh. Again, I think she was assuming she was “getting to me” by eating it. I finally explained the best I could that it was gross and not good for her. I redirected her attention elsewhere. Later, she did it again. I will need help with that one!
Nina awakened at regular time this morning, 6:30am! And, she was sad when we didn’t jump up and put our clothes on. I did the best I could, moving as fast as I could. But, I realized she was hungry. We had breakfast and put our clothes on. Then, while I was getting ready, she had some “book time.” She will play pretend with her doll and empty water bottles. She is very imaginative, which is incredible! Again, she never ceases to amaze.
After wrestling stroller and all down the stairs, we made it outside. She walked for a while then conceded to the stroller. We walked to the park and played. Then, she had a meltdown, nothing unusual. We had a little snack, crackers dipped in dirt! Then, we had another meltdown and went for coffee… me not Nina. She had another little snack and some water. She walked through the middle of the square. She, of course, pushed the stroller. Then, we had another breakdown over some stairs. So we headed back to the apartment, stopping on the way for fruit and pigs-in-blankets and more water. We made it to the apartment, climbing stairs with a bag of stuff, stroller and Nina (who was so exhausted I carried her up the stairs as well.) We had lunch, and I set a bowl of fruit on the table. We talked about the fruit names, and she wanted all of it. She finally understood that we were finished with lunch.
Nina is a fabulous helper, and she helped me start a load of laundry. That was an adventure for her. I hope that she naps well, and we can step out for a good dinner and possibly to find a few blocks or puzzles. She needs a few toys here in the apartment, since I found out that we will receive her passport no earlier than Wednesday of next week. This means we will most likely head home on Friday at the earliest. It will probably be Saturday. Big Nina instructed me to NOT book any tickets to home until the passport is on the train for delivery here in Kiev. By then, Little Nina might think this is her final destination!!! I think I will nap for a little. She is so precious when she is sleeping.
I return… Nina is asleep for the night…
Well, post-nap has always been one of my favorite times of the day with my kiddos and now Nina included. After tears from awakening, she had a snack and we headed out to find a few “personal” items and eat dinner. I have noticed that she prefers me to carry her. The stairs here in the apartment are more than challenging for her. So upon occasion, I have given in to her requests. But at the bottom, she chooses to walk. This evening, however, she reached the outdoors and all of the chaos of the city streets, and quickly decided to “take the stroller.” She road in the stroller the entire evening. At one point, I encouraged her to walk but she refused. Something is telling me that she is starting to recognize the differences in her feet and legs from all of the other feet and legs on the streets. I have observed her looking down at her feet and looking up at other’s and looking down again at her own. Soon after I saw her doing this, she asked to be put in the stroller. I don’t really know… but she is very intelligent. As they said at the orphanage, she will be a professor some day. I think that was it!
On our second adventure for the day, we went through the city to the stores underground. We found a few things, including some pink fingernail polish that she picked out! We found a good place for dinner. A Ukrainian woman joined our table saying all kinds of things. I felt so bad then finally told her I did not understand. She started talking in English! Amazing!!! We visited briefly. She was so excited for Nina. She had watched Nina walk to our table and when she discovered that I was adopting her, she became so animated and lively in her conversation. I was so caught off guard! I think Nina was overwhelmed too. I enjoyed the adult interaction and the English. As we were leaving the woman jumped up from the table and kissed Nina. Nina just stood there, stunned. It was really very cute.
We came back to the apartment for Beauty School 101 and a bath. She LOVED bath time… the bath toys I brought were a huge hit! She has obviously washed herself, as she did NOT want my help. After I had already helped some, she had a meltdown. It happens. She quickly recovered when she received seven new pairs of panties with varying princesses on them. She carefully opened each one and gathered them into her lap and deemed them “Nina’s” with the largest of grins. (When was the last time you got excited over your stack of panties?) I thought back to our exit from the orphanage… she brought nothing. So, of course, the cartoon toothbrush that we purchased today was also a huge hit. She was desperate to open it and use it. I put it next to mine and she claimed with a smile, “Mama’s e Nina’s.”
She also gets to sleep with a ballerina doll and pretty much anything else she chooses… I thought she was going to sleep with a plastic water bottle and soup spoon and fork tonight. Thankfully, I was wrong. Only the ballerina doll stayed. After we read our book and said a verse and prayer, I stayed next to her to help her get to sleep (plus she smelled sweet and clean from her bath and yummy lotion. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to snuggle!) In bed, lights out, she played with the doll, turning it to watch the eyes open and close. She rubbed the silk ribbons between her fingers, like little girls do. It was so precious to watch. I think she has spent quiet hours in bed awake. She never got out of bed nor asked for anything… just wait until she learns a few things from our crew?!?!!? Maybe Nina will influence them instead?
She enjoys the adult attention, not just my attention, but the fact that we laugh and hang out together. She also mimics my every move, from how I brush my teeth and spit to how I rest my fork on my plate; unbeknownst to me, I turn it over on my plate! I caught her watching me, and she reached over and turned her fork over. Wow! Hopefully she won’t copy everything, but she’s running pretty close so far!!!
I am praying that she overcomes this fear of dogs because I’m not sure how to handle it. Dogs are so common in people’s houses, and she is terrified of them. Today, this one the size of my hand ran up the stairs towards her. When she saw him coming, she ran over to me screaming. I picked her up and her entire body was shaking. Maybe there’s some research on that topic???? There are also dogs barking all over the city, running loose and barking inside our building, and she comments on every bark and everyone she sees. She watches their every move and does all she can to avoid them. I’ll have to consult Mia on that one!!!
One other thing is that Nina regularly asks for food. I am trying to determine between true hunger and the desire for food because it’s available. She eats very fast and shovels food into her mouth; although after watching me, I noticed that her eating habits are slowly changing.
She has discovered the refrigerator! Thankfully, it’s slim pickin’s in there. This makes it less of a temptation. Tomorrow, Natalia (our attorney) is taking us to a larger grocery store. The only options nearby are restaurants and curbside stands. Hopefully, she will make it and we will go through another great adventure with Little Nina. Imagine her thoughts in a large building filled with isles upon isles of food!?!?!??
I’m off to shower since she is asleep. Hope all is well back home. I’ve had little contact. My phone has very few minutes and I’m too cheap to add any. And, the internet service is too expensive as well. Natalia said she might be able to bring a USB modem to me tomorrow. That would be awesome! I can’t wait for all of you to meet Nina. Unlike everyone here, I know she will be received and loved no matter what her little body looks like. I’m off to shower…Good night!
Nina is napping, and just as with the others, I am relishing this quiet time. She had a very rough morning, although she is still so incredibly amazing. I have learned her “currency”… her shoes. When she misbehaves, I can take her shoe off very calmly. She does not like this. She will concede and so far obey. I only use that for things like playing with the washing machine, sticking her fingers in plugs, trying to open the back door to the balcony, turning the gas stove on… dangerous things.
She does eat dirt. I have not figured that one out. I think it is a sign of defiance, because the caregivers were very concerned about the children staying clean. I don’t think she was really allowed in the dirt. But, at the park this morning, she put it into her and chewed it. I thought it was gross and told her so. She continued to eat it and laugh. Again, I think she was assuming she was “getting to me” by eating it. I finally explained the best I could that it was gross and not good for her. I redirected her attention elsewhere. Later, she did it again. I will need help with that one!
Nina awakened at regular time this morning, 6:30am! And, she was sad when we didn’t jump up and put our clothes on. I did the best I could, moving as fast as I could. But, I realized she was hungry. We had breakfast and put our clothes on. Then, while I was getting ready, she had some “book time.” She will play pretend with her doll and empty water bottles. She is very imaginative, which is incredible! Again, she never ceases to amaze.
After wrestling stroller and all down the stairs, we made it outside. She walked for a while then conceded to the stroller. We walked to the park and played. Then, she had a meltdown, nothing unusual. We had a little snack, crackers dipped in dirt! Then, we had another meltdown and went for coffee… me not Nina. She had another little snack and some water. She walked through the middle of the square. She, of course, pushed the stroller. Then, we had another breakdown over some stairs. So we headed back to the apartment, stopping on the way for fruit and pigs-in-blankets and more water. We made it to the apartment, climbing stairs with a bag of stuff, stroller and Nina (who was so exhausted I carried her up the stairs as well.) We had lunch, and I set a bowl of fruit on the table. We talked about the fruit names, and she wanted all of it. She finally understood that we were finished with lunch.
Nina is a fabulous helper, and she helped me start a load of laundry. That was an adventure for her. I hope that she naps well, and we can step out for a good dinner and possibly to find a few blocks or puzzles. She needs a few toys here in the apartment, since I found out that we will receive her passport no earlier than Wednesday of next week. This means we will most likely head home on Friday at the earliest. It will probably be Saturday. Big Nina instructed me to NOT book any tickets to home until the passport is on the train for delivery here in Kiev. By then, Little Nina might think this is her final destination!!! I think I will nap for a little. She is so precious when she is sleeping.
I return… Nina is asleep for the night…
Well, post-nap has always been one of my favorite times of the day with my kiddos and now Nina included. After tears from awakening, she had a snack and we headed out to find a few “personal” items and eat dinner. I have noticed that she prefers me to carry her. The stairs here in the apartment are more than challenging for her. So upon occasion, I have given in to her requests. But at the bottom, she chooses to walk. This evening, however, she reached the outdoors and all of the chaos of the city streets, and quickly decided to “take the stroller.” She road in the stroller the entire evening. At one point, I encouraged her to walk but she refused. Something is telling me that she is starting to recognize the differences in her feet and legs from all of the other feet and legs on the streets. I have observed her looking down at her feet and looking up at other’s and looking down again at her own. Soon after I saw her doing this, she asked to be put in the stroller. I don’t really know… but she is very intelligent. As they said at the orphanage, she will be a professor some day. I think that was it!
On our second adventure for the day, we went through the city to the stores underground. We found a few things, including some pink fingernail polish that she picked out! We found a good place for dinner. A Ukrainian woman joined our table saying all kinds of things. I felt so bad then finally told her I did not understand. She started talking in English! Amazing!!! We visited briefly. She was so excited for Nina. She had watched Nina walk to our table and when she discovered that I was adopting her, she became so animated and lively in her conversation. I was so caught off guard! I think Nina was overwhelmed too. I enjoyed the adult interaction and the English. As we were leaving the woman jumped up from the table and kissed Nina. Nina just stood there, stunned. It was really very cute.
We came back to the apartment for Beauty School 101 and a bath. She LOVED bath time… the bath toys I brought were a huge hit! She has obviously washed herself, as she did NOT want my help. After I had already helped some, she had a meltdown. It happens. She quickly recovered when she received seven new pairs of panties with varying princesses on them. She carefully opened each one and gathered them into her lap and deemed them “Nina’s” with the largest of grins. (When was the last time you got excited over your stack of panties?) I thought back to our exit from the orphanage… she brought nothing. So, of course, the cartoon toothbrush that we purchased today was also a huge hit. She was desperate to open it and use it. I put it next to mine and she claimed with a smile, “Mama’s e Nina’s.”
She also gets to sleep with a ballerina doll and pretty much anything else she chooses… I thought she was going to sleep with a plastic water bottle and soup spoon and fork tonight. Thankfully, I was wrong. Only the ballerina doll stayed. After we read our book and said a verse and prayer, I stayed next to her to help her get to sleep (plus she smelled sweet and clean from her bath and yummy lotion. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to snuggle!) In bed, lights out, she played with the doll, turning it to watch the eyes open and close. She rubbed the silk ribbons between her fingers, like little girls do. It was so precious to watch. I think she has spent quiet hours in bed awake. She never got out of bed nor asked for anything… just wait until she learns a few things from our crew?!?!!? Maybe Nina will influence them instead?
She enjoys the adult attention, not just my attention, but the fact that we laugh and hang out together. She also mimics my every move, from how I brush my teeth and spit to how I rest my fork on my plate; unbeknownst to me, I turn it over on my plate! I caught her watching me, and she reached over and turned her fork over. Wow! Hopefully she won’t copy everything, but she’s running pretty close so far!!!
I am praying that she overcomes this fear of dogs because I’m not sure how to handle it. Dogs are so common in people’s houses, and she is terrified of them. Today, this one the size of my hand ran up the stairs towards her. When she saw him coming, she ran over to me screaming. I picked her up and her entire body was shaking. Maybe there’s some research on that topic???? There are also dogs barking all over the city, running loose and barking inside our building, and she comments on every bark and everyone she sees. She watches their every move and does all she can to avoid them. I’ll have to consult Mia on that one!!!
One other thing is that Nina regularly asks for food. I am trying to determine between true hunger and the desire for food because it’s available. She eats very fast and shovels food into her mouth; although after watching me, I noticed that her eating habits are slowly changing.
She has discovered the refrigerator! Thankfully, it’s slim pickin’s in there. This makes it less of a temptation. Tomorrow, Natalia (our attorney) is taking us to a larger grocery store. The only options nearby are restaurants and curbside stands. Hopefully, she will make it and we will go through another great adventure with Little Nina. Imagine her thoughts in a large building filled with isles upon isles of food!?!?!??
I’m off to shower since she is asleep. Hope all is well back home. I’ve had little contact. My phone has very few minutes and I’m too cheap to add any. And, the internet service is too expensive as well. Natalia said she might be able to bring a USB modem to me tomorrow. That would be awesome! I can’t wait for all of you to meet Nina. Unlike everyone here, I know she will be received and loved no matter what her little body looks like. I’m off to shower…Good night!
I HAVE NINA!
4/15/2009
We have had another exciting day… as you all can imagine! Thank the Lord, first of all, because the clothes I brought for Nina fit perfectly. And, layering is always good here.
While I was changing Nina’s clothes, I was carefully watched by all of the staff. So, I began to sweat, terribly. Thankfully, I had already discovered the joy of layering myself! I assumed they were observing how I interacted with her while changing her clothes. I believe, upon reflection, they were actually scrutinizing the clothes I put on her. The black and white leopard print outfit was acceptable! We all said our goodbyes, which made me so very sad. I began to cry, but tried hard to avoid letting Nina see me. Her friends, her community, her caregivers for the few years of her little life, all said goodbye with kisses and hugs. It was touching, and I began to regret our purpose. Then I remembered the kids in the cribs crying incessantly, and no one going to attend to them. I also remember how tired the caregivers often seemed around the children. I was reminded that Nina’s present caregivers do not have any long term place in Nina’s life. She would eventually go to the Invalid House, amongst new caregivers and children with physical and mental challenges. I quickly dried my tears, signed the remaining paperwork at the orphanage and left with both Nina’s for the local passport office.
She was photographed and amazingly precious and patient. (The orphanage did include a pair of shoes for Nina, which I did not discover until later… how generous of them. They knew that the shoes were an issue. How very thoughtful of them all!)
Next stop, LUNCH! We ate the best food at one of the best restaurants I’ve enjoyed yet… all I kept thinking was why haven’t we been here before now!??! It also had the most wonderful bathrooms—I so appreciate our bathrooms back home. Anyway, we had eggs over easy on two slices of toast with sausage and slices of delicious tomatoes. Nina tasted French fries and ketchup (with mayonnaise?) for the first time. She preferred my tasty meal instead. (I don’t blame her!) She also tries to drink my coffee all the time… and I keep saying that it’s coffee. She still wants it. I have not allowed it as of yet and will try to avoid that. I don’t really think she had coffee in the orphanage but who knows. She also REALLY likes meat. She gobbles down every bite of mine and hers. Apparently, they did not receive meat often, only in soups, borsch, etc.
As we climbed into the car, she climbed right into my lap. I opened a note from a friend, and she had typed out the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. It was so appropriate and timely. I sang the song to her softly as she slowly but surely fell asleep. The lack of shocks coupled with the crater-like holes in the road led to a rapid awakening after roughly 30 minutes.
Arriving at the passport office in Dnipro (the capital of the region in which Krivoy Rog sits,) we quickly ran up four flights of stairs (Nina in tow.) We were called into this lady’s office almost immediately, and all five of us squeezed into her office. We signed papers then left the office to find a bathroom. In the hallway, the lady came over and gestured to Nina and me (while Big Nina) was down the hall. I found out later that the lady said she felt sorry for Little Nina. This statement solidified some thoughts I had begun having… I was very aware of the stares and rudeness with which people gawked and frowned upon little Nina. One elderly lady stopped right in front of us, turned around and looked at Nina’s legs. She then mumbled something with a frown on her face and whisked her body around and back out onto the streets. I questioned Big Nina about all of this, and she said, “There is no place in this country for people like Nina, people who are different. Kids who have physical or mental challenges just stay home with their parents. People are rude and mean to people who are different.”
Big Nina, on the other hand, has been a real trooper, such a help to me. It’s amazing what she has been willing to do. We went to the train station after the passport office, bought tickets and went to eat. Big Nina offered to take Little Nina to the potty, because I told her that Little Nina could not relax with me. They too were unsuccessful. (I will also tell you that they were Turkish potties… straddle and squat!) Nina can not bend her knees, which is required with these potties. We had to accommodate her in another manner by holding her stiff body over the hole. It sounds terribly uncomfortable for all involved… and it was. Not to upstage the potties, but the restaurant did have a kid’s area painted with brilliant colors and cartoons on a flat screen hung on the wall!
Big Nina also told me that during this process I have been very naïve… she told me that she has used lots of “oil” to make this adoption happen. We both understood that she was talking about money, applied where needed.
Another event was the train station… Big Nina went inside to buy the tickets. She told Little Nina and me to stay in the car, roll up the windows and lock the doors. She said there were a lot of gypsies and she (Big Nina) “would not be there to protect me.” So we stayed put and got really hot together. Little Nina snacked on yet another banana.
We got on the train for our six hour ride! Of course, when we got onto the train, Little Nina had to “pupka”—on a moving train! Well, we survived that trip and about ten others. Nina did fall and smash her head on the trash can during one visit. It was terrible. We put some ice on it, and I swear I got some strange looks over the new, purple bump on her head. Oh, well. That’s not the only time I got funny looks. People craned their necks from their seats to watch Nina walk down the isle, which we did many times. However, I never got used to the stares.
We made it Kiev and to our apartment by 11:00 pm. We were all tired. I asked Big Nina if all adoptions feel this rushed and chaotic. She said yes. These poor little ones have no idea what is happening. Everyone left Little Nina and me in the apartment, and we went about getting pjs on and getting ready for bed. She is amazingly resilient and content. I am not sure if she yet realizes that this is not the final destination. She went to sleep about 12:30am. I am learning so much about her, but she still has so much for me to learn. It was a long day.
We have had another exciting day… as you all can imagine! Thank the Lord, first of all, because the clothes I brought for Nina fit perfectly. And, layering is always good here.
While I was changing Nina’s clothes, I was carefully watched by all of the staff. So, I began to sweat, terribly. Thankfully, I had already discovered the joy of layering myself! I assumed they were observing how I interacted with her while changing her clothes. I believe, upon reflection, they were actually scrutinizing the clothes I put on her. The black and white leopard print outfit was acceptable! We all said our goodbyes, which made me so very sad. I began to cry, but tried hard to avoid letting Nina see me. Her friends, her community, her caregivers for the few years of her little life, all said goodbye with kisses and hugs. It was touching, and I began to regret our purpose. Then I remembered the kids in the cribs crying incessantly, and no one going to attend to them. I also remember how tired the caregivers often seemed around the children. I was reminded that Nina’s present caregivers do not have any long term place in Nina’s life. She would eventually go to the Invalid House, amongst new caregivers and children with physical and mental challenges. I quickly dried my tears, signed the remaining paperwork at the orphanage and left with both Nina’s for the local passport office.
She was photographed and amazingly precious and patient. (The orphanage did include a pair of shoes for Nina, which I did not discover until later… how generous of them. They knew that the shoes were an issue. How very thoughtful of them all!)
Next stop, LUNCH! We ate the best food at one of the best restaurants I’ve enjoyed yet… all I kept thinking was why haven’t we been here before now!??! It also had the most wonderful bathrooms—I so appreciate our bathrooms back home. Anyway, we had eggs over easy on two slices of toast with sausage and slices of delicious tomatoes. Nina tasted French fries and ketchup (with mayonnaise?) for the first time. She preferred my tasty meal instead. (I don’t blame her!) She also tries to drink my coffee all the time… and I keep saying that it’s coffee. She still wants it. I have not allowed it as of yet and will try to avoid that. I don’t really think she had coffee in the orphanage but who knows. She also REALLY likes meat. She gobbles down every bite of mine and hers. Apparently, they did not receive meat often, only in soups, borsch, etc.
As we climbed into the car, she climbed right into my lap. I opened a note from a friend, and she had typed out the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. It was so appropriate and timely. I sang the song to her softly as she slowly but surely fell asleep. The lack of shocks coupled with the crater-like holes in the road led to a rapid awakening after roughly 30 minutes.
Arriving at the passport office in Dnipro (the capital of the region in which Krivoy Rog sits,) we quickly ran up four flights of stairs (Nina in tow.) We were called into this lady’s office almost immediately, and all five of us squeezed into her office. We signed papers then left the office to find a bathroom. In the hallway, the lady came over and gestured to Nina and me (while Big Nina) was down the hall. I found out later that the lady said she felt sorry for Little Nina. This statement solidified some thoughts I had begun having… I was very aware of the stares and rudeness with which people gawked and frowned upon little Nina. One elderly lady stopped right in front of us, turned around and looked at Nina’s legs. She then mumbled something with a frown on her face and whisked her body around and back out onto the streets. I questioned Big Nina about all of this, and she said, “There is no place in this country for people like Nina, people who are different. Kids who have physical or mental challenges just stay home with their parents. People are rude and mean to people who are different.”
Big Nina, on the other hand, has been a real trooper, such a help to me. It’s amazing what she has been willing to do. We went to the train station after the passport office, bought tickets and went to eat. Big Nina offered to take Little Nina to the potty, because I told her that Little Nina could not relax with me. They too were unsuccessful. (I will also tell you that they were Turkish potties… straddle and squat!) Nina can not bend her knees, which is required with these potties. We had to accommodate her in another manner by holding her stiff body over the hole. It sounds terribly uncomfortable for all involved… and it was. Not to upstage the potties, but the restaurant did have a kid’s area painted with brilliant colors and cartoons on a flat screen hung on the wall!
Big Nina also told me that during this process I have been very naïve… she told me that she has used lots of “oil” to make this adoption happen. We both understood that she was talking about money, applied where needed.
Another event was the train station… Big Nina went inside to buy the tickets. She told Little Nina and me to stay in the car, roll up the windows and lock the doors. She said there were a lot of gypsies and she (Big Nina) “would not be there to protect me.” So we stayed put and got really hot together. Little Nina snacked on yet another banana.
We got on the train for our six hour ride! Of course, when we got onto the train, Little Nina had to “pupka”—on a moving train! Well, we survived that trip and about ten others. Nina did fall and smash her head on the trash can during one visit. It was terrible. We put some ice on it, and I swear I got some strange looks over the new, purple bump on her head. Oh, well. That’s not the only time I got funny looks. People craned their necks from their seats to watch Nina walk down the isle, which we did many times. However, I never got used to the stares.
We made it Kiev and to our apartment by 11:00 pm. We were all tired. I asked Big Nina if all adoptions feel this rushed and chaotic. She said yes. These poor little ones have no idea what is happening. Everyone left Little Nina and me in the apartment, and we went about getting pjs on and getting ready for bed. She is amazingly resilient and content. I am not sure if she yet realizes that this is not the final destination. She went to sleep about 12:30am. I am learning so much about her, but she still has so much for me to learn. It was a long day.
Paperwork!
4/14/2009
Today, we began the morning by getting off the train at 6 o’clock and heading straight to “McDrive-Thru,” as Nina calls it, for coffee. Our driver, Igor, took us to the apartment for showers. Once dressed, we jumped right into a litany of activities:
1. To see the judge to get a copy of the court decree. (There were lots of mistakes—even in Cyrillic you can find mistakes as I did—so we had to wait for the final paper to be printed and ten copies to be “tied.” Literally, they take a large needle and some thick thread and sew the sheets together. Who needs binders?!?!!)
2. Wait for corrections/copies to be sewn together and go get coffee again! (Nina mentioned that the people at the court are lazy because they don’t start working until 9:30am—she did give them some grace by clarifying that they work until 6:00pm.)
3. Drop off papers for the new birth certificate and adoption certificate
4. To local passport office for a form to be filled out and signed by the orphanage director
5. Pick up Nina and take her for a passport photo
6. Return Nina for lunch
7. To see the inspector to petition for a new passport
8. Pick up passport photos
9. Lunch with espresso, because no meal is complete without espresso!
10. Pick up new birth certificate and adoption certificate
11. To the notary and copy place to make notarized copies of the adoption and birth certificates.
12.Pick up Anya, a representative from the orphanage, to sign papers at tax (social security) office to change Nina’s name to correspond with existing social security number
13.Go to passport office to process Nina’s passport under new name and corresponding social security number
14.To the bank, a whole new can of worms!
15.Return Anya to the bus station at 6:45pm
16.Dinner
17.To the grocery store in order to have snacks for Nina on the car ride tomorrow!
It has been quite a day. Most of the time, I sat in the car and read a book. Our driver generally gets out of the car to avoid having to practice his English or listen to my questionable Russian. I will have to say that I think many of the men he visits with are drivers as well.
Carpeted in a brilliant shade of green, the city is beginning to take on it’s true identity. One author of a travel book Jordan and I read before we started this adventure described Krivoy Rog as “park-like.” It is certainly earning that reputation. The tulip bulbs that once barely poked out of the ground are now standing tall and a few have buds. The city will be blooming with color very soon, as if the people and their culture is not enough!
Getting Nina was the highlight of the day. I was nervous and excited and anxious… all in one. Once there, I found her smile contagious. She said, “hi mama” followed quickly by “where’s papa?” She looked all over the room for him! I explained that he was at home, and Big Nina walked in to finish the statement… thank goodness. Little Nina was so hungry, but we rushed off for quick passport photos. Her smile was beautiful, with a hint of tears from the beginning. (I had to leave her in the chair for the pictures.) She persevered! When we returned to the orphanage, she anxiously went into her room. However, she quickly turned without prompting and ran to give me a hug and “high five,” (something she remembered from our last visit.) She is precious. What a joy!
As we climbed back into the car, the subject of money came up with Big Nina. I naively assumed we had avoided the standard bribes. I was wrong. After some discussion, we started negotiations with the director of the orphanage. All is well now, but I was informed during all of this that if we didn’t agree to some amount, the director could possibly hold up her end of the paperwork. Clearly I was uncomfortable with all of this and Jordan was sleeping… it’s 3:30 in the morning in Texas. Finally, nothing changed hands until I spoke with Jordan. All is well. Another odd event was a stop with Anya and Nina to buy “presents” (chocolates, coffees, liquors, teas) for people in the local passport office and social security office (just to speed things along.)
It was a crazy, busy day. Tomorrow, we will leave the apartment to go get Nina. We will go by the bank, and then go to the local passport office for Nina’s full body scan. By eleven o’clock, we should be on the road to Dnipro Regional Passport Office. The drive will take about 1.5 hours. Once tasks are completed there, we will catch a 5-hour train to Kiev which will leave Dnipro Region at 4 o’clock in the evening. More to come… it’s been a full day!
Today, we began the morning by getting off the train at 6 o’clock and heading straight to “McDrive-Thru,” as Nina calls it, for coffee. Our driver, Igor, took us to the apartment for showers. Once dressed, we jumped right into a litany of activities:
1. To see the judge to get a copy of the court decree. (There were lots of mistakes—even in Cyrillic you can find mistakes as I did—so we had to wait for the final paper to be printed and ten copies to be “tied.” Literally, they take a large needle and some thick thread and sew the sheets together. Who needs binders?!?!!)
2. Wait for corrections/copies to be sewn together and go get coffee again! (Nina mentioned that the people at the court are lazy because they don’t start working until 9:30am—she did give them some grace by clarifying that they work until 6:00pm.)
3. Drop off papers for the new birth certificate and adoption certificate
4. To local passport office for a form to be filled out and signed by the orphanage director
5. Pick up Nina and take her for a passport photo
6. Return Nina for lunch
7. To see the inspector to petition for a new passport
8. Pick up passport photos
9. Lunch with espresso, because no meal is complete without espresso!
10. Pick up new birth certificate and adoption certificate
11. To the notary and copy place to make notarized copies of the adoption and birth certificates.
12.Pick up Anya, a representative from the orphanage, to sign papers at tax (social security) office to change Nina’s name to correspond with existing social security number
13.Go to passport office to process Nina’s passport under new name and corresponding social security number
14.To the bank, a whole new can of worms!
15.Return Anya to the bus station at 6:45pm
16.Dinner
17.To the grocery store in order to have snacks for Nina on the car ride tomorrow!
It has been quite a day. Most of the time, I sat in the car and read a book. Our driver generally gets out of the car to avoid having to practice his English or listen to my questionable Russian. I will have to say that I think many of the men he visits with are drivers as well.
Carpeted in a brilliant shade of green, the city is beginning to take on it’s true identity. One author of a travel book Jordan and I read before we started this adventure described Krivoy Rog as “park-like.” It is certainly earning that reputation. The tulip bulbs that once barely poked out of the ground are now standing tall and a few have buds. The city will be blooming with color very soon, as if the people and their culture is not enough!
Getting Nina was the highlight of the day. I was nervous and excited and anxious… all in one. Once there, I found her smile contagious. She said, “hi mama” followed quickly by “where’s papa?” She looked all over the room for him! I explained that he was at home, and Big Nina walked in to finish the statement… thank goodness. Little Nina was so hungry, but we rushed off for quick passport photos. Her smile was beautiful, with a hint of tears from the beginning. (I had to leave her in the chair for the pictures.) She persevered! When we returned to the orphanage, she anxiously went into her room. However, she quickly turned without prompting and ran to give me a hug and “high five,” (something she remembered from our last visit.) She is precious. What a joy!
As we climbed back into the car, the subject of money came up with Big Nina. I naively assumed we had avoided the standard bribes. I was wrong. After some discussion, we started negotiations with the director of the orphanage. All is well now, but I was informed during all of this that if we didn’t agree to some amount, the director could possibly hold up her end of the paperwork. Clearly I was uncomfortable with all of this and Jordan was sleeping… it’s 3:30 in the morning in Texas. Finally, nothing changed hands until I spoke with Jordan. All is well. Another odd event was a stop with Anya and Nina to buy “presents” (chocolates, coffees, liquors, teas) for people in the local passport office and social security office (just to speed things along.)
It was a crazy, busy day. Tomorrow, we will leave the apartment to go get Nina. We will go by the bank, and then go to the local passport office for Nina’s full body scan. By eleven o’clock, we should be on the road to Dnipro Regional Passport Office. The drive will take about 1.5 hours. Once tasks are completed there, we will catch a 5-hour train to Kiev which will leave Dnipro Region at 4 o’clock in the evening. More to come… it’s been a full day!
Monday, April 13, 2009
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