Busy day at the babyhouse

April 24, 2009

Scholka = how much?

First family photo

Today was a busy day for us at the baby house. We had two visitors with us as we spent time with Anton. The first was a psychologist who observed us interacting with Anton. She was a very nice lady. She informed us that Anton is on target developmentally compared to other children his age who are raised in orphanages. He converses with his group mates, interacts well with them and can dress himself for the most part. Side note, Zema said when she went to get him the other children told him, “the girl is coming for you.” She said he ran and got dressed so he would be ready.

When she came over to talk to us, Anton began the process of putting stickers all over papa’s face. She asked us general questions and we showed her our family photo book that also had pictures of our yard. Good thinking on Lynda’s part for having the photos labeled in English and Russian. The psychologist was able to look at them without a lot of questions about what the photographs were. She said it looked like we had a very loving and friendly family and that Lynda’s family was very big. She asked the ages of our parents and whether we live in a private house.

She then told us how much fast food there was in the US and asked if we were going to feed Anton fresh, good food. Hooray for us that we were able to tell her about Mom and Dad Cowell’s farm and the fresh home grown meat we get. She seemed pleased. She said that Anton had Lynda’s eyes. One of the things that Anton did when asked who Lynda was, he said “mama”, but when asked who I was he evidently said just some guy.
The social worker said that was normal as all the children talk about getting a mama and that mama is coming someday. Oh well, Anton will soon learn that papa is the nicer parent.

She said the children don’t get a lot of attention because there are so many of them and that she hoped we would continue to give him the attention that she observed us giving him today and that we would see that he got a good education.

We had our photo taken with the psychologist and she seemed content and went on her way.

This is what Anton was doing while we conversed with the psychologist.


Next came the doctor, also a lady. She seemed to have a pretty good record on Anton. He has had all age appropriate vaccinations, blood work is all good other than being a little anemic when he was first brought to the orphanage, and he doesn’t get sick much. Lynda had noticed a bad spot on one of his molars and so the doctor called Anton over and he opened his mouth and let her look around. She did notice the spot and said she would have the dentist have a look.

She then told us that Anton was found abandoned on the street by the police when he was about 2 years old. The police brought him to the orphanage and he has been there ever since. We have a feeling that his age and birth date are approximate, but Lynda feels that the age is pretty close. The story was a little hard to hear, but we feel that God has set aside Anton for us and he will never be abandoned again.

The doctor took him to weigh and measure him. She said he ways 11.7 kg (25.7 lbs) and 88cm (35.8 inches).

Us with the doctor

We were glad and relieved that Anton was on his best behaviour during their visits and not throwing things which he likes to do. The rest of the visit was good, a little pouting here and there when we told him no, but he did give Lynda and I kisses on the cheek which was pretty cool.

It’s another chamber of commerce day here in Taraz, and I think we are going to the market and see what we can find to decorate Anton’s room. Lynda’s back is feeling better and I guess that is it for now.


Part II
We saw our first accident during lunch at the Aral outdoor café. Not too unlike the ones at home where everyone gets out and argues with each other as to who was at fault. I think it is easier in the states though to actually determine who is at fault because there are actual lanes and clear traffic rules.

After lunch we walked to the Bazaar with Kara and Quentin. It was a fairly successful outing for both families. Neither of us found any Kazak handcrafts but we did each get some children’s books, a couple of souvenirs and Rebecca I was able to get your fabric. You will have more than enough since we could only figure out how to by it by the meter. You have 4.5 meters of fabric to work with. The blue and gold are the country colors for Kaz and are the colors of the National flag and the Taraz regional flag. We also bought something to hang on the wall in the basement.


Here our some snap shots of the town square so to speak and the outside of our hotel. The Marriage Court was in session and all the cars were lined up in the square. We can’t imagine driving this limo around here.
Limo in front of local govt buildings

Line of cars waiting for wedding parties to come outside

Hotel Zhambyl (Zhambyl is a former name for Taraz)

We hit what we refer to as our local 7-11 (but better and cheaper) and headed home. On our way back to the hotel from the store had to wait for some of the local dogs to make their way down the side walk. There were about 8 of them coming in a pack and appeared to be in a minor scuffle but it broke up quickly.

Corner grocery

Pack of local dogs ( they just roam the streets)

To my PEO sisters who are following our blog, I hope you have fun at state convention this weekend. I am sorry to miss our 50th birthday celebration and look forward to hearing all about it when I get back.

Paka,
Lynda and Wayne