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Thursday, September 07, 2006
Go Go Gadget Stroller
When the weather is so nice outside it is just a shame to waste it cooped up in our little apartment. Since we are going to eventually leave Russia the boy will need to get used to getting out and about. We decided that it might be nice to make a few little ventures out.

We started with a trip to the play yard. The very first trip was a short one involving the infamous stroller. Yesterday afternoon Pickle wanted so badly to put his shoes on we complied, but this meant another trip out. This time we let him walk. He was a little cautious, but eventually got the feel for the place and found the sand box. Oddly the sandboxes are not used for cat litter boxes like they are at home. Pickle played in the sand and turned into Daddy’s little archaeologist unearthing little rocks. Success!

Pickle is finally figuring out that he can cry when he doesn’t get his way. This may sound trivial, but for a post institutionalized child this is a big deal. PI kids rock when their needs are not met or learn to ignore things like bumps on the head. Yesterday, for example, while playing Pickle fell over and bonked his head on the floor. No carpet padding so it made a thunk. Not a peep out of him. He rubbed his head a little bit and went on playing.

Anyway, we did institute a little holding time yesterday when he was not getting his way and starting to pitch a fit. It went better than I expected. He did fight me a bit, but eventually settled down.

Bedtime was a little more difficult last night. He was so exhausted from not napping well that he just fought going to sleep. It took both of us, lot and lots of rocking together, a little more holding time, but eventually he made it. Bedtime is met with such anxiety on Pickle’s part. Mommy’s too.

The good news is, this morning, when he was done sleeping, he turned over and looked at me and put his hand on my face. He then turned and looked at his daddy. That was enough to make my heart melt. During the night he did rock quite a bit, but he would also reach out and put a hand on or under one of us. We are making some progress.

This morning we thought we should get out again. I wanted to take a longer walk, but Pickle is heavy and we really wanted to teach him it was ok to ride in the stroller. I opened the stroller in the apartment and showed him how to push it along. I then sat him in it and pushed him around the apartment. Evidently this was fun. Pickle then pushed the stroller for a while. After we were both showered and everyone dressed Pickle was demanding his shoes and showing us the door.

Out the door we went bound for our outing to the Gold church. Pickle was quite content to ride in the stroller! Woo Hoo! It is about a half an hour walk from here to the Gold Church. Once we got there we took Pickle out and let him wander around Glory Square. Down the stairs of the WW2 memorial past a group of Japanese tourists and back up the other side. He did all the stairs himself. By that time he was looking a little tired so we put him back in the stroller and followed the Japanese tourists into the Gold Church. We were lucky enough to catch a short Orthodox service full of the sound of melodic angels. I thought it was a recording, but later saw that it was in fact a small choral ensemble. I only wished I could video record it.

We had a play date with Kathou & Paypay’s little girl (I am still trying to come up with a good name for her.) Pickle is also cautious of other children so they don’t actually play together. Pickle thought the slide was the greatest thing ever!

Back to the apartment for naptime. This is where he is now. Sleeping like a rock. He let me keep a hand on him while he rocked. This was a good thing.

Tomorrow we will make another trek to the Gold Church, this time with camera. Sunday we may take a trip to downtown to get our water from the river (not drinking) and for more photo ops.

A little Q&A:
Our 10 day was not waived. It will be up the 14th or 15th, but neither of us can remember when.

Pickle is 22 months. He will turn 23 months the day after we get home.

We obviously got custody of him during the 10 day. We are thankful for this bonding time. It is very common for people adopting from this particular baby home to get custody shortly after court.

Only 12 more days!
21 Comments:
Blogger Carrie said...
I'm glad to hear that all is going well. That little boy sure need you and CS and all the love you have to give him. It's amazing to me the power of adoption to change lives; yours and pickle's.

Blogger sandy said...
Sounds like things are going well. It's great that you thought of making the stroller fun by having him play with (and in) it in the apartment. I didn't realize Pickle was almost 2. You will be busy!

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Things sound very good as far as the baby adapting to his new mom and dad and lifestyle! He will no doubt gain confidence as the days and weeks tick by and images of the orphanage will be forever forgotten. Thank goodness for new, good, and happy memories flooding Oleg's little head. He's already starting to thrive because of your love and patience! You guy's make me so proud to be his grandma!!!!
We're waiting in anticipation for the next post!!!
Mom and Mike

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Yeh for progress!!! Have fun on your outings and take plenty pics!

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Hurrah for liking the stroller...sure makes those 10-16 block treks easier to handle. So happy that Pickle is comfortable/trusting you enough to have a temper tantrum. Big strides (in a strange but good way!). Keeping you all in our prayers :o)

Blogger 6blessings said...
I can't believe how much you sound like parenting experts. You are not the typical new parents. I think you are doing incredibly well and sounds like the adjusting is coming along great! It is so awesome to see a PI child make strides like that, especially so quickly. Keep up the good work and don't get discouraged if a rougher day comes along. You are doing a super job!!

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Reading about your journey brings to mind the saying... "he did not grow under your heart, but in it." You both seem like such great parents. It is obvious Pickle has been growing in your heart for a long time. Welcome to parenthood! Congratulations.

Blogger Yeah So said...
Those mommy instincts are kicking in. You are doing a great job navigating this unknown territory. I melt too when tell about him putting his little hand on you...he knows you are the good guys.

Blogger Carolina Mama said...
Congratulations again on being parents! It is going so well. Thanks for sharing the little things and the everyday! Thinking of you three! MaliMai

Blogger Deb said...
Sounds like Pickle is doing great. You may have mentioned this but is he talking much yet?

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Good morning! What a wonderful day you had! I should of read your post AFTER I put on my makeup! I was tearing up when I read he put his hand on your face and gazed up at his Daddy, as if to say, "Huh, you really are still here". How wonderful!
Have a great day, love and hugs,
Lee

Blogger Lauri said...
sounds like you are doing well,cant wait to see pics


Lauri

Anonymous Anonymous said...
That is so sweet that he puts his hand on or under yours when he is sleeping. That is a good sign.

Blogger Suz said...
Wow, it is amazing how quickly things are coming together on the bedtime, rocking, bonding! It is wonderful to read about your attachment and Pickle's stroller success!

I'm so happy for you that you get to have him with you for the 10 day wait!

Anonymous Anonymous said...
I look forward to reading each day's new adventures. You guys are doing so well with him. He is such a sweet little boy and you are so blessed to have each other. It really touched my heart to read how he touched your face and gazed at CS. Give him a hug from Aunt Jan. Love to you all.

Anonymous Anonymous said...
You guys are doing all the right things with your little guy...you were very well prepared and your son will do well because of it. May everyday find a little more peace for your baby boy.

Karen aka Angelkisses

Blogger Jenni said...
I haven't been in blogland for about a week, and look at everything I missed! CONGRATULATIONS! It sounds like the adjustment is going well. I remember that first week with the kids - so much joy, fear, and confusion all at the same time! The fact that Pickle has learned to cry and that he touches you for comfort at night are both great signs. I'm also glad to hear that you get to have custody of him during the 10 day waiting period. That additional time to bond before you travel home should be very helpful. I look forward to hearing more about your time in Russia and your days as a new family.

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Chuck and Pam pick us up in about 15 minutes tohead for Seattle, so I wanted to say bye for a while and how much I love all three of you! As you know I won't have access to a 'puter, but I will be thinking of you every day (probably MANY times :-) )with love and prayers. We knew you guys would be great parents for Pickle, but even so you both are amazing with him!! I think God was so wise to make you a family and He continues to shower you with blessings and love . . . even your son knows this and is reassuring you both with every touch, smile and tear that he adores you both and trusts you implicitly. I can't wait to hug you both and give a special "Grammy's first hug" to this brandnew grandson!! I love you, Mom (PS: Dad is going to call me every day and read your daily blog to me!)

Blogger Maggie said...
I'm glad your latest venture outside your apartment went well. Good idea introducing the stroller that way.

Anonymous Anonymous said...
You guys are doing a FANTASTIC job!! I'm looking forward to meeting Pickle over Thanksgiving! Oh, and the boys are only 3 months apart!

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Way to go on adapting to Oleg's needs and letting him come to you. Every little bit counts...
I hope you are taking pictures of all your outings. I'm looking forward to starting his book and will need plenty to go in it. :)
Lots of love to all of you...Auntie G

PS..how about SweetPea for K and E's little one????

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