Another early morning. Another hot day. Another delightful (Shona’s word) visit with our daughter (I’d say fun and/or good). Another stifling train ride (X 2). Another napoleon for dessert (we are trying to be patient enough to wait until after supper to eat most of it).
We’ve had a pretty good day so far. Ivanna was outside with her group when we arrived today. As I walked towards her, she looked at me and then started walking towards me, and seemed to be looking for Shona. Sure enough, when Shona came up, Ivanna smiled and hurried into her arms. It was nice. The next 90 minutes were pretty active with Ivanna walking and running all over the place. She definitely really likes some of the caregivers in particular. On several occasions, Ivanna picked up toys (and a dandelion once) and gave them to a caregiver. The caregiver was very warm and invited her to sit on her lap and gave her kisses and hugs. Very good to see. It also seemed at some points today, that Ivanna knows she can do things when we are around that she cannot at other times. For instance, she can walk into any area of the playground as she pleases with us, while without us, she has to stay in her group’s area. Also, she can walk on the driveway with us (something she seems to want to do virtually everyday). She seemed pretty pleased with herself (or chuffed as Shona’s dad would say) that she had that independence and freedom. We laughed as she truddled off swinging her little arms. It’s pretty cute. I (Shona now) have booted Darren off because he’s too slow and I do want to eat sometime tonight! At one point near the end of our time we were at the front of the orphanage looking out the gates and she decided to take off the way we had come. We wanted to head around the other direction so I called her name several times. She just looked back with a very impish little grin, swing her arms a little more. Finally I said ‘Ivanichka, suda’ (which means little Ivanna (diminuitive x 2) come here - we think) and I squatted down and opened my arms to her – she actually turned around and came trundling back for a great big hug and snuggle. It was great (the snuggle and that she actually listened!). She had a little snack of a cookie and some gummy bears (way to ruin her appetite for lunch!) and most of her juice then it was time to head back to her group (they had already headed in).
This afternoon after a shawarma – our regular guy is back, and dropping the kid stuff off at the apartment we walked a bit and then ended up at the ‘Ykraina’ mall for a bit this afternoon (air conditioned!!! :) and got some groceries (including the delicious Napoleon). We’re now heading out for supper, to post this and do some emailing.
2 WEEKS TOMORROW WE LEAVE TO COME HOME!!!
We’ve had a pretty good day so far. Ivanna was outside with her group when we arrived today. As I walked towards her, she looked at me and then started walking towards me, and seemed to be looking for Shona. Sure enough, when Shona came up, Ivanna smiled and hurried into her arms. It was nice. The next 90 minutes were pretty active with Ivanna walking and running all over the place. She definitely really likes some of the caregivers in particular. On several occasions, Ivanna picked up toys (and a dandelion once) and gave them to a caregiver. The caregiver was very warm and invited her to sit on her lap and gave her kisses and hugs. Very good to see. It also seemed at some points today, that Ivanna knows she can do things when we are around that she cannot at other times. For instance, she can walk into any area of the playground as she pleases with us, while without us, she has to stay in her group’s area. Also, she can walk on the driveway with us (something she seems to want to do virtually everyday). She seemed pretty pleased with herself (or chuffed as Shona’s dad would say) that she had that independence and freedom. We laughed as she truddled off swinging her little arms. It’s pretty cute. I (Shona now) have booted Darren off because he’s too slow and I do want to eat sometime tonight! At one point near the end of our time we were at the front of the orphanage looking out the gates and she decided to take off the way we had come. We wanted to head around the other direction so I called her name several times. She just looked back with a very impish little grin, swing her arms a little more. Finally I said ‘Ivanichka, suda’ (which means little Ivanna (diminuitive x 2) come here - we think) and I squatted down and opened my arms to her – she actually turned around and came trundling back for a great big hug and snuggle. It was great (the snuggle and that she actually listened!). She had a little snack of a cookie and some gummy bears (way to ruin her appetite for lunch!) and most of her juice then it was time to head back to her group (they had already headed in).
This afternoon after a shawarma – our regular guy is back, and dropping the kid stuff off at the apartment we walked a bit and then ended up at the ‘Ykraina’ mall for a bit this afternoon (air conditioned!!! :) and got some groceries (including the delicious Napoleon). We’re now heading out for supper, to post this and do some emailing.
2 WEEKS TOMORROW WE LEAVE TO COME HOME!!!
7 comments:
She is getting cuter everyday! Probably she is just more relaxed with you and smiling more naturally, but it is wonderful to see.
We, too, are counting down the days until you are home.
Love you, and miss you.
Hey Guys. I have been following your adventure everyday. It is so wonderful to share the ups, the downs, the frustrations and most of all, the joy. I can see your family melding each day in your pictures. I wish you all best in the rest of your journey home.
Hi Guys! Mom and I have been keeping pretty close tabs on you all and today is no different. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey with us; it makes it more real to those of us who don't speak with you day to day. We wish you less snot, more love and a safe (but long)travel home. 2 weeks is 14 days of hugs and cuddles! All our best to you all!
Tannis & Co
Lovely times! I hadn't really thought of the freedom (aka privileges) that Ivanna would be afforded with you guys other than access to a certain playroom. I'd forgotten that the caregivers tend to run a pretty tight ship (for good reason). Oh well, one child can be allowed to do what would be difficult to manage when there are 10+.
Yesterday was warm here too, but today is cool and the wind is whippin', especially in Osler where I maintain we really ought to install a turbine to harness the power of the gale-force wind that are more present than not. It is one of those days where only the left door of the set at the main entrance is allowed to open. The other is locked b/c if it were pulled open, the wind would likely grab it and wreck the hinges (really, i'm not exaggerating - this is Osler).
After work today our little family will be heading to Edmonton. I'm hoping the wind from the East keeps up so improve our fuel economy (gas is at $1.20/L). Although today is our anniversary, we decided to postpone celebration as although 'The Yellowhead' is a nice highway, it is less intimate a setting than we were hoping for. Although...
jonathan
hello you three, it's almost as interesting reading peoples' posts as it is the real blog - not quite, but almost. My addiction to the blog apparently isn't as bad as my mom's who had a little breakdown when she wrote a beautiful post and then wasn't able to send it. What is everyone going to do when you get back. Apparently you'll have to wean us off.
It is so enjoyable to sit down and read everyday of all the things you are doing with Ivanna and with one another. To see the pictures and to hear of the bond that is already so strong, is just good.
2 weeks, yay! Shona the cake you made for Misha sounded great, aunty it was a thpider...
We are looking forward to spending some time with that Nickel third this weekend. We love you lots and continue to heap wishes of good happenings to all three of you.
love kath
Ivanna's smile can brighten up any day :). We kinda needed it today because unlike yesterday when it was 28 out, today is blustery and it is going to freeze tonight. We are going to Melfort this weekend and I just talked to my Grandma and she said it's snowing :(. What can you say other than "It's Saskatchewan". We are counting down the days with you until you return, all three of you. Luv Ya!
Hey family! Counting down with you...can't wait! How cute is your baby girl? Love you guys......by the way, Kev bought a motorbike...can we say midlife crisis...anyone?
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