It was just a matter of time before Julia became re-infected with the baby-cold that is circulating among her peers. As one infant gets better, another begins to cough and so on... And although coughing and congested, Julia's spirits are high and her appetite is good. She was just a little lethargic and ran out of steam before I left her this morning. She was preciously clingy and I wished more than ever that I could have stayed with her all day. Oleysa came upstairs to Julia's Baby Room and must have sensed my motherly instinct as she suggested that I stay with Julia for an additional few minutes, a generous offer as the caretakers and our driver, André, adhere to rigorous schedules. I am truly grateful for the quality time that we do spend together and soon enough, we'll be together all the time!
After my visit, I joined Oleysa and Marcy for a "girls day out." We lunched at the "Bistro Cafe" where I had that divine "beef loaf" which approximates my Grandmother's meat-loaf and is topped with melted cheese and a tomato slice. We finished lunch and walked for a while as the sun was shining and the temperature was relatively warm. We tucked into some little shops and I bought a bottle and bottle brush while beginning to discuss how to feed my child once we leave the orphanage. This is a stressful topic for both Marcy and me as the customs are so different regarding baby feeding in Kazakhstan! I can only handle these conversations in small doses. Today I learned that the miniature, hard-boiled yoke that I mix into Julia's porridge is a quail egg! My biggest concern is her hydration as the babies aren't given bottles and don't yet drink from cups. I'll brooch that topic next week!
Oleysa had arranged for us to visit the "Eden Salon" where Marcy enjoyed a manicure and Oleysa and I had our "roots" fixed by the colorist. They did a great job and it was nice for me to have Marcy there for the "girl talk" that is so critical to the spa experience! After primping, we walked to the "big indoor mall" where Oleysa helped me purchase some precious, pink and white baby outfits for our trip to Almaty. Pinch me because I think I'm dreaming! We stopped last at the "Gros" where I bought several "D" batteries for the baby swing that has never worked in Julia's playroom. I also bought a bag of mayonnaise, several bags of "bonxay" potato chips and a bottle of Trivento Cabernet from Australia! Tomorrow I'm scheduled for a facial at 2:00 PM so hold my calls...
It's 8:30 PM and the sun is just now slipping behind the five-story, grey government buildings across the avenue. It is a very different experience being in Kostanai after the snow has melted and the mud has dried. I am told that May brings the warm weather and the foliage and I hope to witness the beginning of a third season, though my attire is becoming conspicuous! I will write again, after the arrival of a new American family on Saturday. I am now "the welcoming committee" and look forward to seeing my familiar surroundings anew, through the eyes of a stranger! Love for now, Julia and her Mom XOXO
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