Day 16: Living in a Sauna

Kazakhstan is a world of mixed messages. They dress the babies at the orphanage with at least 3 or 4 layers, and we have read story upon story of Americans with adopted babies being chastised on the streets because the children are not dressed warmly enough. The winters are cold indeed, though it is probably not much different in Karaganda right now than it is in Ellensburg. Once the heat is turned on in the buildings in town, it is not possible to actually regulate the heat, except through opening windows. Today was abominably hot inside the apartment, and Sue and I felt like renegades for opening a few windows. We have the boys dressed in one layer--sweat pants and a long sleeved t-shirt, and that seemed awfully hot to us. But we were afraid to change it because the translator was supposed to drop by.
Sergey is not sleeping well at all. We asked the translator to ask the doctors about this, and the word came back to us this evening. The doctors say he sleeps quite soundly at the orphanage. They think it is just the newness of everything. Today was particularly bad, since he just would not have a nap at all. Lonya only slept an hour (they are supposed to sleep two). So it was harder than usual. Sue still has a sore throat and doesn't feel all that well herself, so it was a physically difficult day.
On the other hand, most of the day there were no tantrums and everyone played very well with each other. Lonya spontaneously had Sergey sit down next to him and explained all the pictures in the little photo album that we had made for the boys ahead of time. His English has improved dramatically, though whenever someone else comes over, he won't speak at all. So don't expect him to talk when you meet him!!!
Tonight's dinner was a meatloaf, American style, using Russian ingredients. The boys seemed to like it so that was a plus. We were surprised by Lonya's taking the initiative to reach out for hands before grace at dinner. He just seems to catch on so quickly, but we know that he has a long way to go due to his three years of sheltered living.
Sergey has been running a fever and has digestive problems. When it got worse this evening, we sought help and his temperature is receding. He's a pretty miserable little boy right now. And we even got scolded for him wearing too many clothes...we can't seem to win.
We've also been told that the children should not drink cold milk or juice directly from the refrigerator since it will give them a sore throat. That's news to us, but it may explain why the milk is not refrigerated in the stores and has a one year expiration date on it. Ugh!
Let's hope for a peaceful night.
Paul: Thank you for the expedient service with the FBI prints!
5 Comments:
My heart goes out to you. Getting a little one on sleep schedule is indeed a challenge, but very rewarding once you get there. I have found it hard to get Annie to nap in new places as well, but once she becomes familiar with it and knows that I'll be there when she wakes up, she adjusts. Hang in there. You'll have the secret weapon of parents too when you get back--the car!
As everyone has said, routine is the key. You've changed their environment, and unfortunately it will change again when you come home. BTW, doesn't that sound wonderful - HOME?! I've been lucky and have good sleepers, but it does still take a routine and favorite blankies and/or stuffed animals to get to that point.
I'll be off the computer for a while, but will have Dalen check for updates so he can keep me posted.
Hugs, Sharon
If Sergey has a fever that could mean he hasn't been himself as he was coming down with what ever he has. This also could interfere with his sleep pattern.
Also, if you were to visit your favorite place in the world (where ever that might be) and you had limited hours to see and experience everything, you wouldn't want to sleep either. Lonya and Sergey have had the same "scene" for years now. All of a sudden they get to be the center of attention and everything around them is new and exciting. Why should they sleep -- they might miss something if they do? :-)
Still no snow here. I hope it holds off until we get back from Thanksgiving in Renton. You won't be hearing from me for a few days while I'm there. Will the two of you have Thanksgiving away from home? It's probably not a celebrated holiday in Kaz -- right??
See you, Nancy
Hi!
Sorry to hear you are having such a rough go of it. I hope things are improve soon and that you all have a happy Thanksgiving....so much to be thankful for (sore throats, sauna, crying, milk that lasts a year : ) Okay...well, maybe you have a lot of things to look forward to being thankful for!
Know that I have tried to email you 4 or 5 times and I have a hunch that you are not receiving them ) : Take care....JOHN Steinbach
Just had another thought about Sergey and his digestive problems. You might keep track of your meals for awhile and see if certain foods are causing Sergey's upset system. As a young girl Roxanne was allergic to milk products and milk especially affected her digestive system. I had to feed her Soy products instead. She was also allergic to fruit juices. It made her go to the bathroom every 15 minutes or so. As an adult, she can now drink milk but she can't eat several varieties of fresh fruits. They make her throat start itching and her neck breaks out in blotches. Roxanne has found that tropical fruits like grapefruit and oranges are OK for her, but Apples and Pears etc. are not. Maybe you could check on their usual diet at the orphanage and compare what you have been feeding them for "differences".
BUT -- if Sergey was coming down with something that in itself could affect his digestion -- so welcome to the "make a guess" Motherhood of young children. I know I took Roxanne to the doctor way more than necessary when she was very young and couldn't describe how she felt.
Well, I need to go get me a cup of "wake up" coffee :-) Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Nancy
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