But day one for us obviously didn't start in a hospital, though it very well could have. Rather, we signed on the dotted lines to take her for the week and she was led into the room, prepared to go with... in her words... "mommy and daddy to go home." I tell you, she is smart. Otherwise, the orphanage has one heck of a prep program.
They sent her with a bag full of very nice clothes. Including six diapers and new undies! Once back to the flat, we settled into comfy clothes, slippers and then it began! Baby Alive, I am not kidding!!! I have changed A lot of diapers the past day, spent numerous hours in the toilet "getting it all out." and so on, and so forth. Needless to say, this is the hardest adjustment to make quickly. But one well worth making. It is odd to me that I haven't minded at all... not even after settling into bed three times just to keep getting back up and down. I was TIRED this morning.
She is over chatting with Daddy right now. The language barrier hasn't been an issue AT ALL! She is picking up a lot of English as well as communicating easily back to us in Latvian. I feel it is best to meet her half way right now. She was trying to tell me something last night in Latvian that I just wasn't picking up on. So then she clearly said "book" and then went to get my translation book. I tell you, this girl is SMART!!!
I have so much to tell... but according to her schedule, it is walk time. So, I will hope to post more at her nap time (if she cooperates today with this one).
Ciao for now
Okay, we are back from our walk, lunch and potty time. Little Miss Dina is (supposedly) taking a nap. I have caught her with the light on and a book. At least she has a book.
Brent ran to the store and is now back... being noisy. I bet I catch her with eyes wide open.
Lunch was nice. Seems to me that a small, anything, here is actually a super size in the US. Yikes! So Dina had a crepe and soup for lunch with a shake. Man can she put away the food. She finished all but half the soup. Again... they were huge servings.
It is soooo cold here today. After several layers, hats, gloves and a scarf, we were still cold on the walk. It is sunny, however. People here have been so friendly. I had expected them to not smile etc... They smile, they don;t mind us not speaking Latvian or Russian and are generally quite helpful. As far as a vacation goes... it is nice. There's not enough historical sites etc, to make it along vacation. But combined with other cities; it would be great. As for adoption, it is remarkable. I cannot say enough good to someone considering this country (or our About A Child) for adoption. We feel very lucky.
I am hoping to talk to Carson James later. Also Robert. Since we are leaving early, I am trying to convince Brent to visit Slovakia before leaving for home. Finger again crossed. It would seem silly not to visit more of Europe while here together.
Well, for now I need to go. Brent needs to work on the computer. I look forward to telling more adventures... oh, before I go, Dina has a bit of soul sister in her. She was a dancing queen at lunch. She seems to like a strong beat and some groove to her music.
Later, Lisa