As I am writing this at 12:30 in the afternoon, it is -8 degrees F (that is actually the temperature - not windchill). Yes, it is cold. I have really gotten used to it though and with my coat, hat, boots, and gloves, I am even comfortable outside. The only things that are very cold are my cheeks and my knees. My coat comes to just above my knees and then my boots are just below my knees. All in all, not bad. I understand it is pretty chilly in the east coast back home. I hope you are all staying warm too. Right now, I think 20 degrees would feel downright balmy. :-)
I can't believe I left Atlanta one week ago today. In some ways time goes by fast (my hours at the Baby House are mere seconds) and in some ways time goes backwards (much like in the movie Risky Business where he watches the clock click in reverse).
My morning visit with Abby was great. She is really "talking" up a storm. Lots of babbling - just like me. :-) It is so precious. I think she is beginning to be bored with that one room and the same toys though. We practiced "walking" today. I hold her fingers and she walks around the blanket. I can't wait to see her outside the baby house. It is going to be such a new world for her and I can't wait to see it through her eyes.
They were late bringing her to me today because she was with the doctor. The doctor had given her some kind of ointment for her cheeks. They are definitely dry and very red but I know it is something we can take care of when we get home. They did let me have a whole hour with her even though we started late. Other favorites for Abby include jumping (I hold her on the floor and lift her above my head - she LOVES this and laughs every time), stacking cups, blocks, making noises with books, and dancing. You think I'm joking about the dancing but she will really bounce to the beat of whatever song is playing. When I hide something under the stacking cups, she uncovers whatever it is immediately. Melanie - I think she will love the Elmo track!! :-)
I do not get to see any other children at the baby house. I hear them crying etc., but don't get to see them. The other day when I was leaving, they had about 10 of the toddlers outside all bundled up. They all looked like the little boy from "A Christmas Story" and could not even move their arms but at least they got to be outside for awhile. Every day on the way to and from the Baby House, I see many children. You don't see a lot of strollers out, but I do see a lot of sleds. Very fun looking way to get around!
They asked me to bring Abby another warm sweater so after my visit today we went to the Big Market and I bought her a little sweatshirt. It is cute. For those of you who are very into color coordinating your children's clothes, this may not be the place for you. They don't worry with colors or matching in the baby house. If it fits, they wear it. The more layers the better. I still am not completely sure how big Abby is under all those clothes. :-) The clothes I brought for her all fit though - which is good.
Last night I ate pizza at the Chagala Hotel. It was so good. It is not like pizza at home but I loved it. They even let me bring home leftovers so I will have it for dinner tonight too. I ate at the bar there which has a tv and they let me have control of the remote so I watched the BBC World channel and soaked in every word. Sadly, the entire report was about a Russian city so filled with pollution that most of the people are very sick.
The Baby House was hopping again today. It is very empty on the weekends and also very dark. I was glad to see the activity today. Several people came in to compliment the blanket I bought. They really like it (it is a very royal blue and has a large puppy's head on it). I plan to donate it to the Baby House when we leave as I know I won't have room for it.
Assia and Igor are taking me on an "excursion" tomorrow. I have no idea what we will do but am very excited! I hope they will show me a lot more of Uralsk. Ok, that's it for today. Stay warm and write me when you can!! Please continue to keep Abby and me in your prayers.