This is the continuation of my travel journal of our adoption of Dinara and Noah from Kazakhstan in 2001. Dinara was 2 1/2 and Noah was 7 months. If you are new to my blog, please check the JULY ARCHIVES and start reading with post titled *Detained in Moscow. Posts that start with an * are adoption journal posts. I hope you enjoy the story. I’ll be striving to share a bit of the story each day.

Mornings are definitely harder on Dinara then the afternoons. Today the interpreter didn’t show up in the morning again. I don’t know why. I think tomorrow I’ll ask if this happens again. It’s obvious to us that part of the problem is that Dinara is frustrated by the language barrier. She can’t understand us and we can’t understand her.

The caretaker left us alone with Dinara. Dinara screamed for a long time, but John was able to walk around with her, sing to her and quiet her down. At least his presence became soothing for her. Or maybe she was just plumb tired out. She did not play at all… but even the fact that she was willing to sit with us quietly—albeit withdrawn, was progress. Or maybe I am just rationalizing it all.

Noah was a sleepy boy today. He almost went to sleep on the blanket on the floor. He sucks on this ring finger and middle finger to soothe himself. It’s very cute. His congestion was much better in the morning and he didn’t feel warm. I think they must have given him some medicine this morning.

The interpreter showed up for our afternoon visit. Dinara still cried, when the caretaker left, but quieted down. Being able to communicate is critical to being able to calm her down.

Today Jamal, a little girl who John loves — stayed with us while we played with Dinara. Dinara was more withdrawn then she was with Timur, but by the end she had lightened up a bit. Hard to read exactly what she’s feeling. She was sitting on John’s legs and he felt something warm. She had an accident. John got christened! I think it really shows how upset she gets. She just gets overwhelmed.

She sure likes oranges. When she has a choice between oranges, nectarines, bananas and apples… she picks oranges. Both little girls just loved them. We also found a cookie she likes… Bebe cookies. Taste like apple Nila wafers. (note to mom: Buy Nilla wafers!)

Dinara gave us both kisses on the lips today! It was very sweet and made our evening. She always lingers to give us hugs and kisses… John thinks it’s that she feels like she can finally enjoy us, because the pressure is off. We are leaving. She also let mommy walk her back to Groupa and gave me an extra hug and kiss in front of her favorite caretaker. She’s so sweet. I cling to these little moments that show how life will be when she’s adjusted.

Noah was super congested this afternoon. I felt so bad for him. He hates to have his nose wiped. Poor baby. Again… we still haven’t heard him cry. I hope he’s not saving it up for the plane ride. We also went to the store today and bought Dinara some new clothes and a pair of shoes. We’ll see if the shoes fit. It’s hard to buy shoes without the child present.

I was sick again today. Felt nauseous all day and had to take some Immodium. I don’t understand why I keep getting sick. I’m so careful. I just wish I would feel “normal”. We came back from our morning session and took a nap. That’s why there is only one post today. Our apartment is very comfortable. The bed does leave something to be desired however. Its has no boxspring, and has two cushions for the mattress. The cushions I equate to patio furniture cushions. It has flat sheets to cover it. I will be so happy to get back into my KING sized bed with percale sheets!

Court is on the 11th. Lets hope we can get out of here on Wednesday the 14th… that will be our only chance of making it home on the 16th. Otherwise, it’s the 19th for us. And we’ll have to spend extra days in Moscow.

Did I mention I’m ready to come home???

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