Learning about Emma

Today was a somewhat unusual day (unlike most days, in which we, as other Kaz adoptive parents have said, often feel like the main character in the movie Groundhog Day). Our adoption facilitator called this morning and said she was going to accompany us to the baby house. She said we would have the chance to ask some medical questions about Emma. I got my list together and put it in the toy bag.

When we got to the baby house, we were given a copy of Emma’s daily schedule and diet. We also signed the book that is used to prove to the court that we have been visiting Emma. Emma is completely on table food, feeds herself independently, is off the bottle, has never used a pacifier, and has even started toilet training! They sure grow up fast here.

You’ll see in today’s blog a picture of our facilitator Janeera. She, Emma and I are looking over my list of questions. You’ll also see a picture of one of Emma’s caretakers, Bibigul. We were told that each day Emma has two people looking after her. One is the caretaker, whom we were told does the “easy stuff,” like play with Emma and teach her. The second is referred to as the babysitter, and does diaper changing bathing, and dressing. The caregivers are with her the entire day, but she has a different two assigned to her daily. All in all, she has six caregivers and two babysitters at Baby House 3.

We didn’t have as much quality time with Emma today, as we were trying to ask questions while watching her. There was time, however, for a little rough housing - enough for her to shake the pretty bow out of her hair. There was also time for teething, even on Dad’s watch and the sole of her shoe. The biggest giggle of the day came when she heard me yell “Ow” after she pulled on my hair:) I think a ponytail will be my hairstyle for the plane ride home with her.

Emma’s given name is Anel. We were told her first name was given by hospital staff who liked the name. At the orphanage, the staff call her Anela, a nickname for Anel. It is pronounced Uh-NEL-uh, which isn’t too far off from Emma. We have tried to use both names during our visits with her. After our visit we just did errands - exchanging money, buying a new I-card for more internet minutes, and grocery shopping. Jim made some delicious chicken soup, and we are now in for the evening.

We hope all of you have a great weekend, and that Nick and the Rivermont basketball team win their homecoming game! We enjoy your comments. We plan to print out this blog and share it with Emma one day. Your comments will be part of that, and we thank you for giving them to us.