We drove to the baby house in Prokopyevsk yesterday morning with Carrie & Jack, and a different translator, Elisa. She was great at making conversation on the 3-hour car ride there, which on the way to pick up our kids seemed like forever! When we got there, it was a bit of a wait, they had decided to get the kids lunch before sending them on the 3-hr drive back, so by the time Jacob was brought to us, we had very little time to reconnect with him and then strip him down to put his new clothes on- a tradition that symbolizes the beginning of his new life, leaving everything from the baby house behind, including everything he was wearing. Just as we expected, Jacob screamed & cried when they brought him out. His caregiver quickly left the room so that he would not want her, so I left the room with her to ask questions about his care while Chris was left to console him (and was helped by the orphanage director, Dr. Ludmila, and some cookies!)
Jacob was SO GOOD on the 3-hr drive home - Chris and I were both shocked. He even started smiling at us, giggling, and playing. We did learn that he has a thumb-sucking habit, but we'll worry about that when we get back to the US (although when he gets going vigorously enough, he makes a clucking noise that sort of sounds like a metranome). OK, I'll quit typing all these words already - here's some picture:
Here is the reunion at the baby house:
Getting bundled up (yet another Russian tradition - no skin showing when it's cold!
The newly extended Wolters family with Dr. Ludmila, the director of the Prokopyevsk baby house. (We're standing in her office, where we changed Jacob's clothes.)
Jacob & Mommy (outside the baby house):
Jacob & Daddy (on the car ride back to Kemerovo):
6 comments:
Wow, he is a cute little guy. We are so happy for you guys. Looks like a pretty awesome hat that he has on there. Ethan would probably like that one. Sounds like everything is going well so far. How was the first night? Who slept more, him, or you two? That is one thing we will not be able to help you with, because ethan still thinks he needs to get up usually once per night.
Our brother is gorgeous! And that hat looks like a great pull toy - how much fun we will have! Can't wait to meet him and play ball. Babuska is excited too. Anxiously awaiting the trip to Moscow and the dr appt report. Congrats again.
What a difference three months makes at this age. His hair looks darker in these pictures and it looks like he got a cute haircut since the last time. What a cutie! We were wondering if they would send anything with you or if you had to leave everything at the baby house. How is the communication going? Does he speak much yet? Hopefully all of you will get some rest. I'm sure there will be an adjustment period but it will be well worth the lack of sleep.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! We're so glad everything has gone smoothly (or at least seemed to from your blog)! We did notice that it was colder here over the weekend than it was there and had a good chuckle over that.
Oh, you guys. How lucky you are to have such a gorgeous looking little guy. What else would a Grandma say? We can't wait to hear how you all are getting along. All dad does is walk around saying I'm a Grandpa,I'm a Grandpa!
Congrats! He looks great. Can't wait to meet him and introduce him to his cousin once he gets settled in.
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