Boogies, Snuggles, Sitting and Birth Family History = Big Day in Semey

This morning we were picked up by Pasha and Daniel, one of our translators at 8:30a.m. We went straight to Anelya’s baby room, where we found her being inspected by the baby house doctor. They were checking her with a stethoscope and told me that she has a cold, as I mentioned yesterday. She was lying down on a table being looked over when I walked in. She turned her head and saw me and just beamed from ear to ear and started to roll towards me, which the stopped so they could finish her exam. They then changed her into one of the five diapers I bring her daily, put her clothes on, and handed her to me.


We then made our way up to the bonding room, where we found our Massachusetts friends with their daughter. Anelya was very cuddly with me and gave me my first hug, as I laid her in my chest to rest a little. I didn't DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE or anything...

Today I introduced a new photo album with pictures of the family for Anelya to keep with her when we go back home between trips. Here she is practicing talking to mama while she is away. Let's not even go there. Can't go there.

She had some tummy time, played with her rattle, her grandmother, and, of course, her mama. I'm coming to get you...

The morning bonding time was over a bit early today, because Anelya needed to have some blood work done for the adoption process. So, unfortunately, our time was cut a bit short. At lunch we went with the Massachusetts clan to the Bazaar, where you can buy virtually anything you need from shoes to traditional souvenirs etc. OR if you are my Mom, organizing bins, a soap dish and mini plates. Those of you who know my mom will get a kick out of that. She's organizing even in Kazakhstan! Oh, AND she has her Windex wipes here too. Yeah. I know. The only thing I bought were some little hair clips for Anelya (see p.m. pictures for reference).

It has rained a bit during the past couple of days in Semey, which has significantly cooled things off. It has also left residents with the flexibility of choosing whether to get around by car or by boat...

Inside the bazaar

When we got back to the car, I was THRILLED to learn that the Baby House Director had secured my official paperwork from the Ministry of Education and was ready for some signatures. We went through Anelya's health evaluation and information, organ by organ, body part by body part. My girl is very healthy!

I also learned the following about Anelya. She was born on January 15, 2009 in Baby Hospital #2 in Semey. She came to the baby house 8 days later. This means that Anelya will be 7 months old this Saturday!

After signing the paperwork, the Baby House Director asked me if I had any questions about Anelya. Astonishingly, I learned a great deal about her birth mother and was even given a copy of her passport. This is such wonderful information to have and will play an important role one day when Anelya starts to have questions about her identity and history. I am so lucky to have this information. I will also receive a copy of her file before I take her home. I learned many things about the circumstances of her being given up for adoption. I have taken explicit notes and will seek the answers to more questions as our time here continues. I believe that this part of Anelya's adoption story is her own and therefore have decided not to share that information.

Looking at a picture of the woman who gave birth to my daughter was overwhelming. I wish so much to tell her how grateful and humbled I am that she has given me this gift. I want her to know that I will do everything I can to give Anelya everything she needs and deserves. And I want her to know that I am proud of who she is, that she will know her story starting now; that her story is a beautiful one of love. I want her to know that Anelya will know about Kazakhstan, Semey, it's culture and history. Maybe I will have the chance to tell her this someday.

After signing the paperwork, it was time for lunch, which we chose to have at the famed Koffeman Internet Cafe. This place has been a staple in the experience of Semey adoptive families for years, as until recently, families have stayed in apartments with dial-up connections. Koffeman offers an Americanized menu, comfy atmosphere, and high speed wi-fi.

After lunch we made our way back to the baby house. We arrived a bit early and, so as not to disrupt the routines of the children, we hung outside for a bit in one of the several playgrounds around the property. Here you can see some workers putting in a new sandbox for the children.

After way too long a break (almost 3 hours!) I finally got to go back to my Anelya again. She was a happy little monkey with a runny nose. We were very happy to be back together again. Me and my shadow. She had just eaten when we got there and her clothes we pretty wet around her neck, so I stripped her down and changed into some dry clothes that I brought with me. Right now, Anelya is wearing 6 month clothes. She is 26" long and about 14.5 lbs.

Here you can see the hair clip I bought for her today. I... DIE...

And LOOK! I am SO LUCKY! I was with Anelya the first time she was able to stay sitting on her own AND I got a picture! She sat there for about 2 minutes before sloooooowly going pluuuuunk. I caught her. I am, after all, the mama.

She was pretty sleepy this afternoon and I could tell she wasn't feeling very well, so we decided to curl up in a chair and snuggle. As we lay there, she just stared up at me and tickled my chin.

And then she remembered that fun game where Anelya grabs my lips until she almost pulls them off and then I have to eat those hands up! We like that game.

Toward the end of bonding, another couple arrived with their three children, along with the child they are bonding with. The room was pretty chaotic, but it was fun to meet them. Our bonding time came to an end too soon. It was hard to leave Anelya today, but I look forward to see those huge cheeks cave into two gigantic dimples tomorrow when I am greeted by her smile.

After bonding ended, Pasha took us to a great place where we could buy prepared foods for dinner, along with some sweets for the mother unit. We came home with some potato dumplings, chicken and vegetables wrapped in a big egg roll wrapper, a piece of kiwi cake for Mom, and some cookies.

And that, my friends, is how it all went down today.