Luncheon with Leeza

We had a wonderful day today with lil Miss Leeza!!! After a good night’s sleep, and A DELICIOUS breakfast (Kazakh style) at our hotel (free included with the hotel…and better than Comfort Inn!!!) Tatiana picked us up to go visit Leeza. We were all very excited to see her again. Our “blind date” was so brief, with everyone staring at us and a scratchy dress to boot, I was ready to get down and play and check our Leeza’s “mad skillz”.

The kids were outside in their lil “hut”. They hang out and sleep out there and play in the summer. It was naptime so I felt bad that we had to wake her up, but she woke up pretty happy and her caregiver changed her, washed her face, and handed her over. We camped out under a tree in the shade. I could not ask for more perfect weather. It’s gorgeous out-it feels like a fall Florida day with zero humidity. The mornings are chilly (sweater needed) but afternoon is gorgeous. Leeza was in a few layers, and after about 15 minutes, her caregiver came out and gave us another layer to put on. It was kinda hard getting it on, and then in process of getting her other arm in, we saw Rustam and Tricia nearby in the stroller. I was talking to Tricia asking her to come over, and poor Leeza’s arm was stuck in her shirt like a sling. Joe made me stop talking and focus on Leeza’s stuck arm. She is a trooper though and she barely fussed.

When we first sat her down, she didn’t cry, but she started rocking back and forth. Oh my goodness, it broke my heart. Sean thought she was “rockin out”, but I explained that that’s what babies do, often in orphanages, when they are scared and need to soothe themselves. I quickly scooped her up, and we found some toys she liked. She loves toys that make that crinkly noise. Then, Joe stepped in. Joe has always had a way with babies, and it was hearwarming to watch Leeza who was not immune to that “Joe Serra charm”. He got her laughing and giggling. When she laughs, she crinkles up her perfect lil nose, it’s SO CUTE!!

Shortly, the caregiver came out with her lunch! I remember Tricia always telling us weekends are much more relaxed at the baby house. The caregiver brought the food over, and let us feed her!! We didn’t even have to wear the notorious white doo rag on our heads. I could not believe the size of the lunch. I know, everyone talks about it, but it’s something else to see if with your VERY OWN REAL EYES IN REAL KAZ TIME! Sean was like “WHOA, she is gonna eat that?? That is not baby food!” I had her on my lap trying to feed her with this big spoon and it was so hard because I couldn’t really see her mouth. It was rather comical. Charmer Daddy Joe stepped in and I had her on my lap and she gobbled it up. She drank this tea looking stuff out of a teacup. I remember people talking about the kids are always thirsty. I can see why-they don’t get very much when they are trying to drink that way. She did great and ate over half of her lunch. I was afraid we might get in trouble, but they didn’t say anything.

Our time went by MUCH TOO QUICKLY. Man, I can already tell I am going to be greedy. Sean was so cute, he said “wow, Mom, she really likes us!! She is attached to us already!!!” He thought she looked very sad to see us go. It was incredible to witness the change in this lil blue eyed pixie though. She really relaxed and opened up with us and just had fun playing! She can definitely sit up, but I don’t think she can crawl yet. We are still checkin out her “mad skillz” but I’m not gonna fret. I think what lil Leeza needs is lots of time and love from her family. I think we’re UP for the challenge. Leeza also loves “bling”. She loved my “bling bracelet and the beads on my shirt. I think Leeza and her momma are gonna have some big time fun shopppin!!! She has such gorgeous piercing blue eyes. Up against Joe’s blue shirt, they just ‘pop”. I don’t think I have anything blue for her, so we will have to find “just the right shade”!!!

After our visit, we went with Tatiana where the Wiley’s (the other couple from our agency that is her now) was being interviewed for the paper for the playground they installed at the baby house. It was really interesting hearing them talk about it. They are very nice people and I enjoyed getting to know them. Their have a 4 year old they adopted from the Delphin baby house, and a biological son who is 3. We all went to lunch. I had the same pizza I had yesterday. I need to get more adventurous but the pizza is good and so far I’ve had zero stomach issues.
We move into an apartment tomorrow. In fact, it’s the same apartment that Sarah and Andy stayed in when they adopted Zach and Addie. We are only staying there thru the 9th, because then another aparment that is half the price of that one is coming available. I believe we can get high speed internet at the 2nd apartment, but just dial up at the first. We are on dial up at the hotel, so I have to do my blog in word, and limit my skype time. I am sure that I spent a fortune last night but Joe fell asleep and I am a “webneck” as Joe calls me.

The day goes by really fast. Before I knew it, it was 4:00. I got tired this afternoon, but tried to take a powernap but sleep did not come. We are meeting Eugene for dinner tonight at 7:30.

All in all, I have to say our experience in Kostanai is a wonderful one. Sweet baby girl, perfect weather, and I feel very well taken care of by Tatiana and Eugene. Sean has been a real trooper.

Kaz connection on Joe’s blackberry has been spotty at best. I will also not be checking emails much until we can get high speed internet. I haven’t even read my blog comments!

Thank you so much for everyone’s prayers. I feel very very blessed thus far, and I realize we have a long road ahead of us, but I am up for the challenge. This isn’t a sprint, but a slow marathon, one that will yield a much bigger prize then qualifying for Boston!!

ps. I have 176 pictures. I realize I would not post ALL of them, but it keeps crapping out on me. I will do my best and keep trying to post more.
There are some great ones!! The difference in her lil personality after spending time with us was really incredible. I see the differnce in blogs, but again, to see if "real life, Kazakh style" is truly a miracle.
I keep praying and thanking God for this lil miracle bestowed upon us. My heart is full and we are LOVIN LIL LEEZA! She is a lil doll!!!