When we showed up this afternoon for our visit, Aitugan had already been fed and was in the large playpen in her group's room. It was the first time we have met her there, and there was an immediate smile of recognition when we came in and then she crawled over to us.
It was interesting, and definitely nice, to see that she is not always bundled up so severely. I guess that is a special treat reserved for family visits.
Upon our arrival, and without hesitation, her tank top was removed and she was again placed in flannel to enjoy the heat of the playroom. It is a phenomenon I will never truly understand, though am resigned to accept.
Tomorrow marks the official end of the bonding period and in the morning our Coordinator Dina will go and register our intention to adopt Aitugan with the court. Hopefully by early next week we will have been assigned to a judge and will also learn of our date for court.
It is fascinating to think that for all we feel we have gotten to know Aitugan, today's 2-hour visit means that all told, we have now spent exactly 24 hours with her. That's right we have spent but one complete day with our future daughter.
By the time the court decision is final and all the waiting to take her out of the Baby House forever is over, we will still have spent only slightly more than a weekend of actual time with her.
As depressing as that may be, we are excited to be on the eve of completing step one in the Kaz adoption sequence. Superstition prevents me from celebrating this early on, but we are encouraged and happy.
Here are a pair of shots from today that encapsulate an important lesson learned from today. Never shake a gurgling baby directly overhead.
Sometimes having to wear glasses isn't such a bad thing.
Lastly, I want to finish today with a Happy Birthday wish To Heidi and wish she and Stefan well with their court tomorrow. Below is a photo of Heidi and Anna Lina. Take Care.
6 comments:
Welcome KJ to the first of many smiling gross experiences. Your laughter in the picture almost makes it worthy of the kitchen wall. I am certain you already have many designs on replacing other grandchildren or brothers with your own little angel, so maybe KJ will have no space on the wall for something so "inappropriate."
My own memory is stirred. We have a bucket/ bowl that we use if someone is going to get sick. One night I held it for Christopher who was listless and getting sick. Sweet and tired in the middle of the night, he stirred, we awoke in the chair and it was clear that he might be getting sick. Quickly I grabbed for the bowl beside me to ensure that nothing escaped his mouth without getting caught in the bowl...disappointingly, I had not emptied the bowl from the last time and instead of catching the new installment...his last sloshed up the bowl all over both of our faces and heads.
We both were shocked and it brought on immediate tears (and a bath) for Christopher. Poor little guy.
Oh the things you will experience!
Amazing blog to follow along. What a beautiful baby girl—I'm so happy for you two. The pictures and the way you describe your experiences make me feel like I'm a fly on the wall.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of your journey.
God bless.
Karen
Hello,
You don't know me but I'm your Belgian blog reader. I've found a link on Muriel's blog (we were together for a few weeks in Karaganda this year from April-June) and since I found out you are in the same city as Heidje, Stefan, Mikiel and Anna Lina, I read your blog every day... Congratiulations with your beautiful daughter. She has the same size of belly and buttocks as our Kazakh daughter Roos Balzhan (now 13 months). Her weight is almost the same as our son Miel Arman (now 3,5 years old) :-))
http://www.ozewiezewoze.net
Winde, Toon, Miel Arman and Roos Balzhan
I have been following your journey and remembering how exciting the
15th day is and then the next step "waiting" period begins. We only saw our son 2 hours each day but I promise you those are valuable moments... It may seem like such a short time but I think for them, it is everything! I have never doubted the importance of those minutes with him in regards to his transition home.....It was also a surprise blessing to have the other 22 hours of the day with my sweet husband since uninterupted time becomes slim in those first few months home. Cherish your time and oh, my what a beautiful girl you have....I can't wait to meet you all at Kazapalooza! We have a website also... under "Nick" on the Kazapalooza site! Thanks for sharing your journey....you won't regret having all of this written down once you get home! Our prayers are for a quick court date!!! :) Karen Kitzman
Your daughter is beqautiful and seems like you all are doing great. We have a beautiful 3 year old daughter from China and are currently waiting our file to be translated for our second beauty from Kaz. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all!
KJ - You have been duly baptized! Your smile says it all! I get daily smiles and giggles from your words and photos.
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