Here's Serena getting her foot massage. Who wants to take care of Serena so I can get my own massage when we get home? Anyone?
Serena was happy today when I came in to see her. It was rainy so we played on the balcony where there is a breeze much of the time. She did all her usual things, practically climbing into the back pack to get things out, playing with my camera, banging on things to see how they sound and looking at her reflection in the windows is always a big thrill for her. There IS something about the playroom that is really the best place for her to be. She just loves to explore explore explore and I'm starting to get the picture of what I'm in for. (I should make a rhyme out of this about her) Maria, can you work on that for your niece since you've always had a way with words? No pressure or anything. Anyway, I can just see her into everything and I also see a little more persistence on her part. Not alot, she is still easygoing but I see changes.
Like in this picture. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE HER!! Funny face and all! These are the two best pictures of her I got today. Today went fast because we spent some time in the babyroom with the caregivers. I have been taking pictures of them with her and had them printed out and brought them to the babyhouse for the caregivers. I also have been keeping a journal that I'm writing to Serena and I paperclipped (later will glue) a picture of her with a caregiver and on the next page I left blank for the caregiver to write something to her and Ainura will translate it for us in the journal. I think she will like it.While we were out on the balcony the massage therapist came out and showed me how to massage her legs and feet so that she will walk quicker. Apparently this is done to alot of the babies in Kaz. This took a while and I am so disappointed I did not get it on DVD. I might ask her to show me tomarrow so I can get it recorded. She was gentle with Serena and she seemed to enjoy it. Serena was holding a piece of paper and naturally it ends up in her mouth at times and the girl said I shouldn't let her play with paper because she could choke on it..........like I would let her do that. Then Serena was grabbing the baby bottle of water and I leaned her back in my arms to feed her and she told me never to let her drink from a bottle laying down, babies choke that way..............really? I didn't know that! I wonder how we all have made it through? I know they do alot of things different but she must think I'm an idiot or something. Don't get me wrong, I really like this girl, she ALWAYS makes a fuss over Serena everytime she sees her in the hall or her room, she is very nice, cute, and happy. These comments just surprised me. It was kind of funny to me.
Serena, after a while on the balcony, the fussy stuff started. Not bad or anything, just fussy. I kind of like seeing this side of her for some reason, I know I won't for long, but at the moment it's kind of interesting to figure out what she wants. I am wondering if it's a tooth like Roseanne said or something because this has been everyday for the last 3 days. I hope it doesn't break through on the plane. Oh God, I just want a quiet flight home and so many things are pointing to that not happening. Serena got over whatever was bothering her.
It was time to take her back and as soon as I started to put her down to play with the other babies and she pulled her little adorable legs up so her feet would not touch the floor, it was one of the top 125 things she has done so far that is the cutest! With that I picked her back up. She looked like she knew she wasn't going to escape this, she looked worried. I did it again and the crying started, real crying this time and it killed me to walk out that door. The caregiver came to her rescue and the crying stopped. Yeah!!
We did alot of shopping today after our visit. This is the Eurasian Market and they sell everything here. Upstairs is a mall and downstairs is food as in grocery store. I love shopping here.
This is a photo I took from Erkens car as we drove around. It's an older apartment building.
This one I took on my way to meet Jila and Sarah for dinner at a shish kabab restuarant. It was very good and the menu was in Russian only. Jila and Sarah did a great job figuring it out from their Russian Dictionaries, pats on the back for both of you! I had chicken kabob with onions and fries with a tangy sauce for the meat. Yummy! Have I told you I love it here?Serena, Serena, Serena, I am getting so anxious to have you with me everyday! Another week or so to go and we will be leaving the babyhouse which will be bittersweet for me. The time there has been so special! I love you my Sweets!
6 comments:
I think they've got the massage thing all wrong in Kaz. Babies have been standing up and walking since the beginning of time, with no massages whatsoever. It's the mom's who could use the massages, especially after a day of cleaning crusty Cheerios out of the car...lol. That said, like mother, like daughter with the massages. I can see you two gals headed out for your weekly massages together (maybe a 2 for 1 special?).
I'm so happy that you like it in Kaz. Being there so long has really allowed you to immerse yourself in their culture. What a great opportunity that is. And the pictures you take and the words you write really paint a vivid picture for us bloggers. Since I may go through blog withdrawals once you return, I do hope you keep it up for a bit.
Counting down the days...
Laura xoxox
Serena is looking so much more comfortable and familiar with each blog. You can easily see how you two are establishing your bond.
Get used to a whole lot of unsolicited advise and common sense warnings on child rearing.
There seem to be a lot of people who must think we have taken the stupid pill for the day and need to be warned of the most basic of things. We all get them and perhaps we may even be guilty of throwing a few out ourselves. She must feel very protective of Serena as she has been taking care of her for so long. It is in no way a reflection of your parenting skills. (I remind myelf of the same thing everyday)
AS for the possible teething-
You can put your finger in her mouth and feel if her back gums feel swoolen or feel the teeth breaking through. Also look to see if they seem red and swoolen. bring a soft washcloth with you on the plane. you can soak it in cool water and see can gnaw on it to make her gums feel better.
Serena - Your mommy loves you so much....It is clear with every word she types. You are so lucky to have found each other....
Hang in there - you are coming down the home stretch....
All our love,
Roseann, Sarah & Seby
Hi Dana - Serena looks as if she knows how to enjoy a good massage. She seems so serene! (I couln't help myself). Yes, put me on the list of volunteer baby sitters. As far as the caregivers advice, they are emotionally invested with this beautiful child. It must be difficult to let her go. Be patient with them.
I already have some poetry lines rolling around in my head for our explorer - can you rename her Dora? ha ha.
Serena will be a happy little girl when she can spend all day with you. Do you have any info on making the transition from babyhouse with all those playmates and caregivers to her new environment? It will be so different for her. Does she have a favorite stuffed toy she could take with her? Just a thought.
So now you have shopped the malls of Kazahkstan! You are world class shopper. I'm so proud. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. It's good you will have had some experience with Serena's native culture.
Looking forward to seeing you. Miss your voice. Dad is progressing nicely. It's good to see.
Love - Maria
Dana..I will pay for you to have a massage EVERY week if I can babysit your little princess. I'll even make the appointments for you.(LOL)
I guess the massage therapist didn't know that you were born a Mommy when she made those comments to you. It must be so hard for all Serena's caregivers to prepare for her departure and new life with you.I'm sure they get very attached, especially to Serena.
I LOVE your idea with the journal! Another great keepsake and connection to Serena's culture and family in the early part of her life. Dana you are such a great Mom and there is no doubt in my mind that Serena will have the best self esteem a child can have.
Serena you have the best Mommy!
Hugs and Kisses to you both
Lori xoxo
I definitely see mother/daughter spa days in you future. Glad to see Serena enjoyed this one much better, than the one she got the other day. Babysitting - not a problem I see everyone volunteering already. You can add my name to the list.
Suggestions, get used to it. Everybody's got an opinion on how to live your life, raise your kids, keep your house, do your job.....as if all of us (we all do it) giving those suggestions lead by example. It's always easier to fix somebody else's life, kids, career, home....You're a smart gal, you'll figure out what is important advice and what isn't. And, sometimes throw caution to the wind and just wing it. (Aunt Patty is spouting some life lessons here Serena). Good luck, Mommy!!
Love,
Patty
Hi
What's the hurry with walking anyway? Children grow up so fast. Take your time Serena. Enjoy being young. Dana, you enjoy it too. If I could relive my kids youth, I would do it in an instant!! (Teen years, not so much!) It's such an exciting and fun time!!
I will gladly babysit Serena anytime!!
Serena, you have many firsts ahead of you. Take your time and enjoy! I'm looking forward to sharing in some of your firsts with you.
Love you
Lisa
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