Pre-Court Post

I had a morning visit with the boys so our Coordinator will have the car available for court.

Today was just one of those frustrating days. The car arrives late. It's cold outside. We arrive at the babyhouse to learn that it is "Birthday Party Day" and we can't use the music room and Maxx won't be able to visit during my first hour.

We were told we could bond in one of the rooms outside the boys' groups. When we got upstairs I was able to see the kids in Ty's group playing. Some of them had legos and others had toy revolvers. They were shiny plastic without the orange ring to indicate they are a toy. I chuckled to myself as now I know where the boys came up with the idea to "shoot" me.

Ty comes out and grabs his juice cup. Maxx's worker came out and asked him why he was using a "baby cup" as he's not a baby. I smiled (that insincere smile I have perfected here) and explained it's a "spill-proof" cup.

We were told we couldn't meet outside the groups and had to go to the "mother-child" room. This used to be a room we had our meetings in last year. Now it is a storage room. We literally had a 4 x 6 foot area for Ty and I to "play".

Luckily, I brought the computer and we SKYPED with Randy. After the connection failed, I let Ty watch the horse video and showed him video of his dancing. He was very interested in watching himself.

Ty finished his juice so I gave him some water and was informed that one of the "doctors" complained I am giving the boys too much to drink as they go to the bathroom too much and that's a sign of a "disease". I worry about parasites and giardia as the water supply in KZ is not clean so I bring bottled water and juice. The translator admitted this "doctor" likes to find things to complain about and especially with the foreign families.

I accidently got water with gas today and Ty was surprised. I don't think he ever drank something carbonated and giggled as the bubbles tickled his mouth.

When the translator went to get Maxx, she was told his group hadn't even performed yet but we could watch. One boy in his group had a birthday in February. The children did some singing and speaking. When it was Maxx's turn to speak, he appeared shy and went to his caregiver. It turns out the girl who went before him spoke his part and he didn't know what to do.

The kids also played musical chairs. Maxx won in his group and the top two finishers in each game have to give each other a hug and a kiss.

After the presentation, Maxx went to his room to get changed and Ty and I moved all our things to the music room. Things were a bit frustrating as Ty had his snacks earlier and Maxx got his later. Maxx thought that Ty didn't get any snacks.

I'm going to go shopping with the translator in a little while. As I posted on Facebook I am going to a formal event in Almaty on Saturday so I need "formal wear". This is good as we will shop during the assigned court time and I should be with the translator when the call comes with the outcome of the hearing.

Take care,

Marcia