3rd Visit 08/15/2010

Today's visit started off a little challenging. Several of the kiddos were outside when we arrive but Ivanna was inside. As soon as we walked in the door she ran to all three of us and hugged each of us. What a complete blessing that is. She had such a beautiful smile on her face. She was immediately looking to see what we brought her today.

So I took her by the hand and led her outside with Yuri's wonderful help - he was able to translate to us what the workers were saying. So we walked out to the play area and joined a few of the other children, Igor and Leeza included. Ivanna is accustomed to having to fight for what she gets or keeps and of course that is understandable. So she got no, no, no several times and JoAnn you will be pleased to know that I left with a battle scar today LOL. Completely understandable though and the more I think about it it is just so sad.

Larissa, one of the nurses was outside and today I showed her our family photos and the photos of Ivanna's room. She asked if she could take them inside and show others - Absolutely. Then later in the visit she gathered up the children and took them inside because lunch time was approaching. Ivanna's whole disposition changed once the other children were taken out of the equation. She became much more cooperative just like a flip of a switch. So it may take a little time to adapt to being around other children and prevent having that feeling of having to share or fight to keep what she believes to be "hers".

Oddly enough the careworkers invited me in today to sit with Ivanna during lunch. They had a little small childrens table that sat four. Ivanna, Leeza, Igor and one more. They had some type of soup first and then followed that with a bowl of potato mixture. Oh my Ivanna ate and protected her bowl as if she had to keep anyone else from getting her food. That was also very hard to watch. Because when she leaves Vorzel she will no longer have to do that but it may take a little bit of time for her to understand that.

We know the boys will love her. Her papa turned on music for her and she held it up to her Daddy's ear and just rocked with her daddy. To try and burn off some energy, Daddy and Papa swung her around and let her climb on the monkey bars. Our little Princess Monkey.

After watching her yesterday we took her a coloring book and colors which she really enjoyed.  When she got tired of coloring, then we let Igor color for a little bit so Danielle be sure to bring a coloring book.  Oh my goodness he is a talker and he so enjoys company.  Yuri told the workers today that you would be there in about a month so they are expecting you and also they asked where you were from and he told them that as well.

Well, all in all it was a good day and we always have enough to occupy her. Very, very hot outside though but under shade. It is supposed to start cooling down here in the mid to end of the week.

Thanks again for following. We will go to the orphanage by ourselves in the morning which will be challenging with the language barrier.

We will also get our court date tomorrow. From what I understand our Interpol clearances are back but we will know for sure of that tomorrow also.

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