At the Orphanage

We have been spending our time at Shapagat baby house in Karaganda. When we were here in 2005 it was called Malutka, but there has been a trend in Kazakhstan toward changing Russian names to Kazakh ones, particularly for government buildings. They are really trying to revive the Kazakh culture and language that was stifled in the Soviet era. It is one of two orphanages in Karaganda for children 0-5 years of age. Shapagat is a little bit outside the city, while the other baby house is right in the city center. It is a well-run, very clean and loving home. The caregivers, doctors and director take their jobs very seriously and try to make it a warm, loving place for the children in their care. We're posting some pictures of Nicholas and Nadia's room (Room 8)...you can see some of the other little cuties in the background. Their caregivers are very sweet and we're getting to know them as the days pass. 

Kids' Bedroom

Kids' Playroom

We've enjoyed getting to see nearly all of Nathan's caregivers, too. We took Nathan to his former room and showed him where his crib was, where he ate, got changed, etc. He really got a kick out of it. Ludmila took down a small photo album from the bookcase and showed us our family picture that we gave them when we said goodbye 5 years ago. I couldn't believe they still had it! They have all remembered Nathan and shout out “Nariman!” every time they see him. He's gotten quite used to being grabbed, squeezed, and having his cheeks pinched. It's very heartwarming, and it's been wonderful for him to see firsthand how much he was loved.

Nathan and Ludmilla

Nathan and Tania

Nathan and Galina

Nicholas has started giving us kisses...lots of them! I say “hug mama” and he runs into my arms, and say “kiss mama” and he kisses me over and over. He especially likes being tossed in the air by "Papa" and jumping into his arms.  We say “haroshee maleet-cheek” which means “good boy” to encourage him. He is very hungry for praise and attention, so we're offering lots and lots of it. He's also smart and determined. He gets upset if we take anything from him, which we sometimes have to do (like trying to run with scissors!) and will lay down on the floor and cry. He's definitely getting better as he learns to trust us, and we're getting better at being able to predict his behavior and redirect it. I know the language barrier is a huge contributor to this, and it must be so frustrating for him not being able to understand why we do what we do. Nadia is generally happy and busy. She protests loudly if she sees food and doesn't get it quickly enough, or whenever the food or drink is gone. One thing we've noticed is that these kids are tough...they fall down and hit their heads and don't even blink. In the orphanage it's generally every man for himself, and I think they're used to this.

Brothers

Nadia when she is mad--she doesn't like it when Mommy has to put her down, even if it's just for a quick photo!

There are a ton of families in the orphanage now. Four new families came yesterday and three more arrived today. Even though we still hate to leave next week, I can understand why they say there's no room in the orphanage for families who have passed court to continue visiting. But if they could just make an exception for US....(smile).  Dos ve danya for now.

Talking

The Boys!