I came to pick up Serena for our visit and this is what I saw. I could tell she just woke up, she just looks so cute sitting there! I can't believe at such a young age she actually goes on the potty. 
She is getting more interested in the books too. Now instead of just trying to open the pages she is pointing to pictures. I can't wait until she is even more interested. I plan on reading alot of books to her and I'm hoping the more I read the more she will will like them.
They said they wanted us outside today. It was very hot but at least there was a breeze. I tried the stroller thing again with her but she doesn't seem to like it anymore. I decided to just sit under the gazebo and use it as a seat for her. In this picture I am giving her water from the cap. She drank alot! It was another mommy moment and it made me feel soooooo good!!
She was in and out and in and out of the stroller. When I first got here she liked to go for a walk in it but now she is spreading her feet apart to avoid getting in it. What am I going to do in the airport with her?? I'm going to try to buy a better stroller here for the airport. I already know she doesn't like the umbrella stroller I brought. They have one at the babyhouse and she is very uncomfortable in it, you can tell by looking at her. I may have a 2-6 hour layover in the airport so I need something she will be able to lay down in to sleep. It's going to be fun fun fun!!
I decided to put my hair up today and I felt much cooler. Sometimes it takes me a while to figure things out. Right now I'm in my apartment sitting right in front of the fan but as soon as I'm done writing I'm taking a nap. The heat wears you out!
We came inside after an hour and were on our way to the sauna (playroom) and we saw a caregiver with Aleesher, one of Serenas little friends. They were sitting on a balcony playing and there was a beautiful breeze and she joined us to sit with them. We spent the rest of the time there and the two kids played while I took some video. It was much more bearable out there. This is Serena combing her hair again. I just love to watch her do things like this!
I got to put her to bed again and it was as sweet as yesterday, sans binky, but she just gets so quiet and serene. It's true!
I found out today that little girls get their ears pierced when they are 5 here and it's tradition, they get a gift when they get their ears pierced. Little boys get circumcised when they are 6 or 7. It's a big thing here in Kazakhstan, they consider the boy to be a "man" after he is circumcised, they have a party and everyone bring him gifts. They boys look forward to it!
Well, I just spent 2 hours trying to write this blog because the pictures are not being accepted so I must go now.
Serena I will miss you terribly tomarrow. Every Sunday is harder and harder without you. I will watch all of our video for the day and I look forward to Monday. Love you Sweets! XOXOXO
9 comments:
Hi Dana - Your title today was perfect. Serena is going to just love that potty picture in the years to come. For only seeing her a couple of hours a day, she has picked up quickly on your activities - brushing her hair and reading books. She is just so smart!
I have no advice for the airport except bring many binkies.
I've printed out so many pictures and they are all over the house. I carry them with me and show them whenever I can. Her smile and your joy is spilling over into my life. Thank you.
Serena - You behave for mommy at the airport. It is the beginning of your journey through life. What a first step!
Love and hugs - Aunt Maria
I'm so amazed that Serena already uses the potty. It was such an adorable picture. And the "Mommy moment" pictures are so special. I can only imagine how truly indescribable those moments must be for you Dana.
Serena you have truly filled an empty place in Mommy's heart that only you could fill. Her world will always be brighter because of you.
Hugs and Kisses,
Aunt Lori
I'm so jealous...you have a one-year old that uses the potty...What a joy...the money you have just saved in diapers...can cover your phone bills...lol
Serena - you look adorable with your sleepy morning eyes, sitting on your potty....gotta love it...
As for airport suggestions, have a full bottle ready for her to drink as soon as you start to take off...The sucking will help her ears pop...As for the stroller... She may only want to be in your arms - as the surroundings will be very different and new to her you may not get her to stay in the stroller at all. You may be better to use your baby carrier and rely on the stroller to hold your other stuff...
Hey Pretty Face,
Congratulations on a successful court day!! You are a GREAT Mommy!!
And Serena... You are a lucky little chicky!! I'm really enjoying the pictures, we just showed Lori's mom your blog. She loves your little girl too!!
Take care and stay safe P.F.
"Uncle Chris"
XOXOXO
The potty picture is too cute!! Give her a newspaper!
Everything will work out in the airport. Think positive!
Can't wait to see you two.
Love
Lisa
hey dana
congratulations hope you're having a good time. the pics are cute. i can't wait to play with serena.
see you soon
love ya
jess
How cute was that picture of Serena on the potty. I can't believe they actually go potty at such a young age- that is awesome for you mommy!!
I really do like your hair up. It's a cute look on you. I can see your beautiful face.
As for the airport, that is a tough one. The stimulation of being in an entirely new environment could make or break you. She may surprise you and be very quiet or..........she could get wild and crazy. Either way, there is nothing you can do about it, so have lots of toys, coloring books, etc.. to keep her occupied just incase. The two of you will do great, I just know it!!
Miss Serena, I can't wait to meet you. You are so lucky to have such a great mommy!!
Love,
Aunt Ro-ro
I told you Serena lots of fun pictures to show your future boyfriends.(LOL) You and mommy look like you are having so much fun together, despite the heat. It looks like you are going to be quite the reader. You already have so many books waiting for you and mommy to enjoy at home. Just don't fall into Mommy's habit of starting three books at a time and never finishing one.
There is nothing like getting that hair pulled back to make you feel instantly cooler. It is much better. Pouffy hair resolved. The photos are always adorable. I love the ones of Serena combing her hair. She is too cute. I know how happy you must be to be the one to put her down for her nap, now. It sounds like Serena is the perfect name. Calm and serene.
Airport suggestions: Try not to take her out of the stroller too much (unless she is really fussing) maybe she will realize she has to stay put for awhile and she won't expect to be taken out at the airport (she may be fascinated by her new surroundings and just sit in the stroller and people watch; maybe; I hope). Once they are mobile they hate being restrained. Make sure you have the carrier. Definitely bottle and binks during take-off and landings. Make sure your computer is charged and leave a kid DVD in it, something with music and songs. Not being a mom, I don't have too many more suggestions. Good luck with the whole airport thing.
Love ya,
Patty
P.S. Sounds like in Kaz the girls get the better end of the deal for a change. I would much rather get my ears pierced than be circumsized. I don't think a party is worth it.
Oh that practical Patty has hit the nail on the head....at the airport, keep Serena stroller-bound as long as she can take it. And the new stroller looks comfy and good to go, so it shouldn't be too bad.
The potty shot is too cute. If that little miss of yours is potty-trained at an earlier age than the norm, you should really thank those Kazak caregivers. They would never put a one year old on the potty here! I think it's great!
Itching to meet Serena....
Love,
Laura xoxox
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