Today we actually slept in a little later, getting out of bed just after 6 am. First order of the day was to hit the internet to read e-mail and update the blog. We read that one couple has just received their LOI and will be coming to Petro in a few weeks and sent them a quick congratulations note. Before I finished reading e-mail, a new one popped in from a couple who arrived yesterday and are beginning their visits to the baby house. I have to say that having the PVPK group as a resource has been great as a way to share info and meet other families.
This morning we went out to exchange money for this afternoon’s big event: Taking the kids out to do some clothes shopping. Since we won’t be heading home until mid-November, we need to add enough for a couple layers and wardrobe swaps. We made a run through the Iceberg then over to the fresh market for fruit and veggies. We also went through the adjacent indoor market. I had forgotten about all the little individual stalls. Most shops are a conglomeration of individual flea market areas. You can find just about anything you’re looking for, eventually.
When I checked the weather this morning it was 35 “but feels like 29” according to MSN weather with a projected high of 60. At the same time, it was 84 in Memphis, heading for 90. It won’t be long before we’re wishing it would get up to 35…
Right on schedule, our driver and translator were at the door and we headed off to the RBS. Day 2 the kids were out at the gate waiting for us, giving us that heartwarming feeling. Today they were in the RBS courtyard. As the car came to a stop, we could hear LG yelling, “Mama! Papa!” as both ran up. As soon as Masha signed out the kids, we were back in the car heading to our apartment. We brought some things along so we wanted to see what fit. The boy’s clothes we brought were far too small, but the girl’s clothes fit perfectly. It won’t be long before she outgrows them, but they will get us all home.
The children scurried from room to room checking everything out. They quickly noticed that I had changed the computer wallpaper to a picture from yesterday’s session when we were taking measurements and got a good laugh because LG had a funny look on her face. LB asked if we had brought everything from America with us (meaning furniture, appliances, etc). Masha helped explain that it is a place we are renting and all of our things are in the states. Even the sparse apartment is a palace to them. It’s a hard concept to explain to children who come from meager backgrounds.Fashion show and tour of the apartment complete, it was time to SHOP!
There are many good clothing stores close to Constitution Ave, only a couple minutes walk from our apartment. First stop was to look at jeans and maybe shoes. We had partial success: jeans for both and shoes for LG. On our way to the next stop, several parades of newlyweds passed by. Friday and Saturday are when most couples get married at the courthouse. Then they go to some fountains by the park for pictures. We just happened to be on that road and even saw a stretch Lincoln Towncar limo.
Both children were great and took the frequent “no, not that one” answers very well. We explained that we would be going to more shops until we found the right items. We didn’t have to make due with whatever was on the shelf of the store we happened to be in. LB did have one disappointment that had him down for a few minutes when he found a nice pair of shoes that we all liked but which were not available in his size. Disappointment was quickly alleviated at the next store where we did find shoes that fit and a nice winter coat. LG also found a nice pink winter coat, complete with "LG" monogram that she likes because it has a zip-out fleece liner which is also monogrammed.
Hands full of bags and with feet getting tired, it was time to head back to the RBS. On the ride back, we recited our home motto: Live, Laugh, Love in Russian and English.
We have two really great kids who took everything in stride and were truly appreciative of the time together and for the things that they now have. Both are looking forward to when we don’t have to leave the RBS without them. Today was a fabulous day.
1 comment:
It sounds as though you had a wonderful day! I am really glad that you were able to find shoes for both of your children. I remember shopping with my children when they were young, and they lost patience quickly when it wasn't their turn to buy something. Keep up the good work! Kaz Grama Joyce
Post a Comment