Wednesday & Thursday, February 9 & 10

Mostly more of the same these last couple of days...

We begin the day about 8:00 am, with gentle chides to rouse a little girl...includes opening the curtains, turning on the tv softly and tossing a few balloons her way. Sometimes her Papa sneaks under the covers with a "boo!" and that brings a giggle or two. Breakfast is the buffet in the main hotel dining room. We still eat more than our share of bananas, but have also ventured into apples and small oranges.

After breakfast, Mama and Luda "swim, swim, swim" in the pool while Papa works out in the weight room. After about an hour, Mama & Papa trade out and Mama works out on the eliptical and rowing machines. At about 11:30, we all head upstairs for showers and to get cleaned up for lunch. In the afternoon, we walk to the Promenade or take a cab to the Ramstore for lunch, shopping, games and/or skating.

In the late afternoon, we sometimes read or Papa takes Luda for another swim while Mama tries to answer some emails.

Dinner is in the hotel lobby restaurant, followed by bathtime, more reading and bedtime.  LIttle girl is an excellent reader, and a very smart young lady. Most likely will be a bit frustrated at having to start over learning to read, but will catch on quickly.

We varied the schedule a bit today by going to the Metro to ride a go-cart and play video games. We had hoped to bowl, but there was a children's party that had the entire place booked. One sad little girl looked very longingly at the other children playing and celebrating. We are thinking that school should begin shortly after getting home, so that she can be with kids again and find some friends soon. 

We did find out today that we may be delayed a bit further...we are looking at late next week at this point.

Friday & Saturday, February 11 & 12

Schedule pretty much the same, making the three of us a bit stir crazy...not a whole lot for children to do at the Hyatt and the game areas at the malls don't hold the same fascinations they once did.

Friday did vary a bit, we visited the doctor's office for the mandatory physician's evaluation. The doctor, a young woman from Africa with a beautiful British accent, was lovely and very gentle with young Luda. Our young daughter, whose life has been cluttered with many new experiences the last two weeks, was very suspicious of the entire process. She was very cooperative, but obviously not happy about having to see a doctor. Her health appears to be very good, and the intermittent frustration she is experiencing quite normal, according to the doctor. She says it is amazing how quickly they adapt once they get home, start school and get into a routine.

Although the hotel is just lovely, we are all three a bit weary of hotel life and ready to be home and start our life together in East Tennessee!

We meet with Oleg, who is making arrangements with the Embassy, on Sunday evening to finalize all our papers. They will be submitted on Monday and we hope to travel later in the week.

Personality Description:

Intelligent: Ms. Luda is very smart and observant, she doesn't miss anything...our only advantage right now is the language difference and once she understands, English--we will be in trouble! This morning after her bath, she dressed herself in a robe as if it were a toga, like a Roman orator, and begin to recite something in Russian that sounded vaguely familiar. After a bit, I realized that she was reciting the text from the book that she read to us the other day--word for word. Not the entire book, but a good portion of it. I don't know whether she had prior exposure to this the book and had memorized it at school, or if she has just learned it over the last few days. Either way, it was impressive.

Strong Willed:  This little lady makes my horses Gabe & Kramer, known for their strength of will, look like amateurs.  She has incredible focus and when she decides to do something, she is completely focused upon it. She has her own mind, thoughts and game plan...which she is good at realizing. When it conflicts with that of her new parents, she will try every trick in the book to get her way. When we are able to explain the reasons why, she usually relents. But if she doesn't understand, watch out! Mama & Papa have been out-witted more than once during this journey. :)

Kind-Hearted:  She is very thoughtful and kind. Luda has hidden candy under her Mama's pillow for a lovely surprise at night, fixed both Mama & Papa's hair when mussed and always says please, thank you and you are welcome. She always wants to share her food, ice cream and candy with her parents. The orphanage director told us that she shared all the dolls, toys, etc. we brought her with all the other children in the orphanage. In fact, she chose to leave most of them for her friends, taking only her doll Anna with her.

Orderly:  Although less tidy than at first (which is good, means she is becoming more comfortable with us), Luda likes things to be neat and orderly. She is careful with her markers, puzzles and clothing. She will periodically straighten the hotel room and reorganize her things. She likes predictability and is bothered by change--hence her frustration with this major life event. She is comforted by ritual and pattern, and lack of control is a little scary for her right now.

Reserved:   In time, I think she will prove to be an extroverted person, but right now is pretty reserved and shy with strangers. She is intimidated by new people and gets overwhelmed by new experiences. She doesn't run from either scenario, but you can see that she gets a little stressed by both. Although a tough little cookie, it may take her some time to really get adjusted to her new life.

Easily Frustrated:  Again, most likely because of such a major change in her life and the fact that her parents don't speak much Russian, she is impatient and frustrates easily on some days. Other times, she seems to do well and delight in most experiences that come her way.

Charming:  This little lady can be extremely funny and charming. She loves to pull tricks and tease and possesses a wonderfully witty sense of humor. She has nicknamed herself "Banana Monkey"...a very appropriate description.

Loving:  She is a very affectionate and loving child. She draws hearts in the steam in the bathroom, and writes "Mama, Papa & Luda" in the center. She tells us she loves us and gives spontaneous hugs & kisses. 

Fashionable: Miss Luda has a keen fashion sense. She matches her clothes, whips up her hair in the most charming styles. When we shop, she is mesmerized by lovely clothing and stylish window dressings. It is amazing how she has such an eye for beauty. While watching television, she has an eye for romantic, attractive men. Have also noticed that she is attracted to books that have beautiful, classic style of drawings. When not immersed in the bathtub, her Barbie doll is the best dressed with the most creative hair style in all of Almaty.

We feel blessed to have this interesting, loving and bright little person in our life.