We came back to the apartment for lunch and catching up on emails before the driver came to get us at 1:30pm. We went back to the market today AND I GOT A COAT! Woot Woot! I have been frezing and trying not to buy a coat because it is just something else to lug home....but I broke down and did it anyway. It's one of those puffy ski looking coats...and it is SO warm! Left Brain hasn't felt like he needs one...but when it drops a few more degrees and it stays as windy as it has been....he'll change his mind!
We also picked up a spiderman football at the market to give to Mr. GQ at our visit today. He has started this new thing with Left Brain. We aren't sure why. When he gives me a hug and kiss hello....he lets me hold him and wrap my arms around him. Then,when he goes to Left Brain and LB reaches his arms out to wrap around GQ....GQ takes his hands and folds them, not letting Left Brain hug him. But then GQ hugs Left Brain. It's odd,and it's only happened in the last two visits. He usually favors Left Brain and treats me like that...who knows?!?! He threw several fits today, and we just let him get all of his frustrations out. I can't even really remember what the original fit was about. Something really silly, likely. But it escalated from there. I had his football in my hands and because he can't understand everything we say...he thought I was taking it. He started screaming and yelling at us.....as he had been all visit long. We finally had enough and told him that until he sat down and started talking without yelling that he couldn't have anything. He totally understood us and was yelling that he WOULDN'T sit and WOULDN'T stop yelling at us. But he still wanted the ball and said he would scream at the top of his lungs until we gave it to him. At this point his caregivers came in and he ran out of the room yelling at them that he wasn't staying in there with us. So, being as mean as they are....they asked the other children which of them would like to be with us. The first one to raise their hand the caregivers sent in there with us. We didn't really know what was going on until it was over and the other kid was in there and the caregivers shut the door. GQ started having a SERIOUS fit at that point. He came back in that room screaming at that other kid to leave his mama and papa alone and get out of there. GQ was seriously mad at this point....the little veins were popping out of his neck. We felt horrible about what they did...but we didn't fully understand it until it was over.
Our visit was over not long after that. He let me cuddle him and tell him how much mama and papa loved him as we left. He started crying when I was whispering to him how much we love him. I just almost melted. You could see how hurt he gets by what the other children and the caregivers say to him. He understands when we tell him that we love him and today it brought him to tears. I wanted so badly to just take him out of there and never look back. I know he will be a totally different kid when there is no one there to tell him that we don't love him or that they are going to send a different boy home to America with us. Bless his little heart. It will all be over soon!
We ate at that fantastic Italian restaurant again. Traci---you will be so proud of Left Brain. He ordered grilled pork with a Balsamic sauce and he LOVED it! He always gripes about that sauce tasting like motor oil....but he LOVED it! That restaurant would do well in Murray. It is just fantastic!
Now we are back at the apartment, and I am still worried about my little GQ. I want everyone to leave him alone and for him to be able to be happy. I keep telling myself....this too shall pass, and he will soon be out of there. But, for this protective mama....not soon enough!
P.S. For those of you wondering what some of the food looks like over here....this is a photo of meat jelly. This is what Oksana ordered that night at a restaurant and Left Brain tried it and I seriously thought he was gonna vomit.
Sounds like Max may have flustrations he needs to work out. I'm sure he has trouble understanding you both, but he will soon English. Good to hear from you. It is getting cooler here so you may need that coat Nikki when you come home. Take care and we love you all.
ReplyDeleteI will pray extra hard for Max tonight. I will be so glad when he is with you guys and Miles, sounds like you will have a different child. I remember when you guys were little how some kids are so mean. Some of them will tell lies just to get attention, sounds like that is what they are doing to Max. What about all the toys you have bought him. Will they let you bring them home or leave them there? love mom
ReplyDeleteWe continute to lift all of you up in prayer. Thanks so much for sharing all the little details. It is helpful to those of us behind you (submission date 10/27). Tell me more about your coat! What color is it? Do we get pictures? (We're in Florida and trying to plan what to pack to wear when we travel... probably in the dead of winter. Someone told us everyone there only wears solid color dark coats...)
ReplyDeleteKathi-
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to answer any and all of your questions. I would have loved to had someone who had just traveled to Ukraine to ask those little details. My email is nikki.cossey@yahoo.com. You can catch me anytime.
My coat is actually white...and I bought it here. Not everyone wears dark colors only. We were told the same thing. Dark colors are a good idea because you may have to re-wear your clothes before washing them....it helps hide stains. But you can wear whatever you want. Make sure you pack warm clothes and things you can layer. Some days are warmer than others by several degrees and you may only need a sweatshirt,not a coat. Depending on the region you may be in once you choose a child...you may not be able to wash clothes. That is why I would recommend dark clothes and clothes that you don't really care if they get dirty. It has been so rainy here lately and when we visit with the boys outside their feet get really dirty. If we pick them up at all...we get mud all over us. That's just someting to remember. Also..PACK lightly! I can't stress that enough. You can really buy anything you want in Kiev. You should be there for a day or two first thing...get things there, rather than lugging them in suitcases. Email if you need anything else!
I am so angry that the caretakers are that cruel both to Max and the other child when they raise his hopes knowing it isn't going to happen. No wonder he is having a hard time. It sounds to me (Dr. Granny) that he hasn't had people he can trust to love him no matter what. I remember when you told me about Ben hugging him and talking soothingly. Is that what he is after and doesn't know how to ask? You all are in my prayers especially often lately and just wish we could make it all better right away but it's going to take lots of patience & love to get you through. I know he will have it at home with you. Just hope we don't overwhelm them because we all love them so much! Just keep loving and praying and you will be home before you know it! Thank God for warm clothes!! Love Granny
ReplyDeleteI miss you guys! I cant wait to see the boys! They are adorable! - Madison-
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