Ground Hog’s Day, Again (see the movie)

The cooler weather has definitely been better for sleeping. We also don’t feel so wiped out after every morning and afternoon visit. Furthermore, for the past two days we have not needed to immediately change into our coolest, most comfortable clothing (generally pajamas) after each ‘session’.

John went out on a successful hunt for pastries this morning: strawberry today.

When we went to Nick’s room they said he was elsewhere (_____?), then pantomimed physical education, or dancing perhaps. That let Dennis try out the train toy we bought at the market Saturday before last without immediate competition. He likes to take things apart (sometimes I call him “Destructo Dennis”) so it was a great toy for him. Nick came by with his group just before 10:30. He likes the train, too, and sometimes they both want it at the same time. Of course. We decided to ask Bill and Susan to take family photos this morning, so I took a set of clothes for each, not knowing what the orphanage “uniform” would be today. Because it was comfortably cool both of the boys were clothed top and bottom, so they didn’t have to put up with wardrobe changes. We took some standing and more sitting on a bench.
Bill and Susan said they had a long day yesterday – after court they had to sign some special papers that will allow Susan to sign papers and take Losha alone after Bill is back it the States. They also took Losha to have passport photos made, an orphanage representative escorting them.

A big dog (“bolshoya sabaka”) came through the play area and settled in between us and Nick’s group. The other kids were a little freaked out at first, but the dog just stretched out and went to sleep in the shade. One of the group’s balls landed about three feet from it, and that was “no man’s land” as far as the kids and caretakers were concerned. The dog seemed obviously very gentle when he had passed through, and took no notice of the children whatever, while awake or asleep, so John was the big hero who retrieved and returned the ball! Nick often likes to use the crayons to draw with John, especially when John draws “machinas” (cars). He likes to be physically close to John during those times, often sitting on his lap.

Sasha had called to check on us, and asked if we had sent photos for passports to Sasha in Kyiv via e-mail. We had, but when John called that Sasha he hadn’t seen them yet. Before noon we went back inside to Nick’s hallway and took more pictures against the blue wall.

We stopped at home to modify and transfer pictures onto our spare compact flash, and then we headed out the Historical Museum Metro stop to have them printed at the Kodak shop. During the hour wait we had lunch at the Lido (the place next door we had thought to try was just too smoky). You know, sometimes when you really want something, you just pay the price and enjoy it. John and I spent $7 (US) on our cappuccinos at the Lido, just like at Starbucks. Except here we also had two bowls of okroshka, tomato and cucumber salad, stuffed squash, stuffed red bell pepper, and chicken with vegetables stir-fry for the $7! We found a wide-brimmed hat for me at the outer edges of the market (less than $3), a gift for someone here at an underground shop, and had ice cream cones at McDonalds before picking up the photos and heading back to the apartment, and then back to the boys. We inserted the new family pictures into the photo album in several places.

At Nick’s room he ran to get his shoes and join us. Sasha had told us the mouth needs to be closed for the passport photos, so we took more of Nick at the blue wall before getting Dennis. It took several minutes for them to get Dennis ready, and then we went back to the blue wall to try for a closed-mouth picture of Dennis. Much more easily written than done! He always opens his mouth when he looks at someone. At least this time I had John’s comb along so both boys had neat hair. 

Outside we settled on two benches close to the main entrance again. When the boys got restless we went for a walk and delivered a photo of our family to Bill, Susan and Losha that has our home address and contact information on the back. Nick insisted on carrying the photo album with him. He seems to be very proud of it, but when Susan asked him about it he became very shy. That is just so “three”!  They told us they found an express photo shop (and a French pastry shop) just down the block from our Metro shop. That will be much more convenient.

We had cookies, one banana to share and water for the afternoon. The cookies are very low sugar, and hopefully the only “treats” they get most days. We’ll cut back when we can have a regular home routine and diet. I promise! Nick liked my new hat, trying it on right away and even wearing it for a bit. Dennis thought it was a fine new toy to throw on the ground. When Nick is naughty, especially blatantly defiant, he has to sit still with Dad to the count of five and voice compliance (“KharaSHO? : “KharaSHO” or “Da”) before being turned loose. They had several of those episodes this afternoon. When Dennis couldn’t figure out what he wanted and mostly wanted to do whatever I didn’t want him to do (eat crayons, hold big sticks, throw non-throwing toys and his cup) I finally picked him up and we just walked around in a big circle until it was time to go. He was content. We took Dennis up to his room, interrupting two caretakers who were eating their own dinner. They still cheerfully exchanged him for John’s passport. Nick’s group was still outside after 6:30 and we said good-bye there.

We located the photo and pastry shops on the way home. John cooked chicken stir fry while I got started on this. Maybe we can go to bed before 2300 tonight.