Wednesday, June 16, 2010

You must be wondering why Joseph is wearing a hat in every photo I post. In the summer, (well actually in the winter too) the rule is that hats must be on the children at all times. This seems to be a very strict rule not just in the orphanage but all over Ukraine. Very few children are seen in the city, but when you do see them they will be wearing a hat every single time. I asked our facilitator about this and she said it is to prevent sunstroke. I do not know at what age the kids no longer have to wear hats, but at some point in childhood I guess they are cleared to remove the hats because the teens and adults certainly do not wear them.

Here's a fun game: Toss the hat. Just make sure you are in the shade and that no nannies are watching. I think this boy is ready for Special Olympics basketball. What do you think?

We notice a big difference in Joseph's activity level between his morning and afternoon visits. He actually sat in the swing for 20 minutes yesterday afternoon and in fact looked like he was going to doze off a couple of times. After playing for a little bit he wanted John to hold him. Watch how he asks to be picked up. Oh, my heart!! I have a feeling this boy sleeps well at night.

Once again, it was a great visit and we trying to get through the process to get this sweet boy home to his new brothers and sisters. 
P.S. Another rule of the orphanage is no thumb sucking. We got scolded for letting him suck his thumb yesterday. 
Shhh..don't tell but I think I might ditch that rule once we can make our own rules.

22 comments:

Kristin Ferguson said...

Yes. Hats, hats, and more hats. We too play a constant game of keeping Nadia's hat on her head. Contrary to whatyou've seen in your city, we've seen TONS of kids out here in Zaporozhye. The moms have them out at the parks, shopping, getting ice cream cones...they are very much a part of the city life here in Zap.

Joseph is a sweetie and seems very smart! Can't wait for the visits to be over for you guys. We're hopefully going to have just one more visit before we can claim our prize! :)

Take Care!
Kristin

Tim Rovenstine said...

Thanks for keeping us in the loop about the process of your emotions, your challenges. All is well with the 4 Urbans in Mexico.

Tina Koen said...

I/We absolutely love what you guys are doing. What a blessing to us to be a part of it all and your family. Thanks you. Our VOIP has been down and now up again, so hope to call you soon.

Tracie Loux said...

Adien sucks his thumb too. The sweetest thing ever though is when he snuggles me, sucks his thumb and strokes my check with this toes. :)

Alice said...

I've always wanted a thumb sucker. He is so adorable!!!

Andreas will finally go outside without a hat, but he is happier if he can put one on. He didn't want to wear shorts without tights, either. I bet the nannys would flip out if you took of J's shoes and socks. I think bare feet are completely out of the question!

Mary said...

WOW! Joseph has a seriously good throwing arm to judge by the height of that hat in the first photo. He is so definitely going to be talented at basketball and/or baseball!

thedickinsonfamily said...

What a priceless treasure. He seems to play hard and rest easy. What sweet memories your making. He's just so darn cute. Take care!

La Viajera Insaciable said...

What precious photos, Charissa! I especially love the pictures of Joseph asking to be picked up. How sweet!

Amy...who wanted 4. said...

That makes me sad about the thumb sucking rule. That is one of their only ways to self sooth.
He looks great!
Can't wait to see him home with his brothers and sisters!!!!

JennyH said...

Nice to know about the hats. I was wondering!

Awe -- he is so cute. Too bad they don't allow thumb sucking though. He apparently gets away with it or he still wouldn't be doing it!

Sunnie said...

Sooo cute...my baby (16 yrs old now) was a thumb sucker....I think I would change that rule too....sure didn't hurt my girl a bit!!!
Thanks for sharing the journey with us!!
Sunnie in NC

Janell & Kenny said...

Thumbsuckers make the best kids because they can calm themselves! James and Heather both did this activity. How precious!

Stephanie @ Ralphcrew said...

Oh man is he a good lookin' boy! Love the photos. Praying that you find favor with the legal officials.

Lisa (DanielsMommy) said...

Those arms wide open wanting to be picked up....precious picture!!! My Daniel just turned 5 and sucks his thumb exactly the same way. He usually does it when he is tired. One of the last baby things I see in my son...so I do enjoy a good thumbsucking!! You made me laugh about the 'rules' changing too. I'd be the same way...once he's home and yours forever...YOU make the rules (and I have a feeling that boy will be able to suck his thumb anytime he wants :):).

kirsten said...

He's adorable!!! Praying for speedy paper work and favor w/ judges. I know you must be missing your kids like crazy. Blessings to you and John for your amazing love.

little dalene said...

I'm going to disagree with you and everyone that has commented, but I can do that since I'm family. :) Don't let him suck his thumb! You'll be paying lots of money to the dentist later! And growing up with adults with down syndrome I know it's a really gross habit and impossible to break later. I can show you pictures if you like. Haha.

Qadoshyah said...

Yes, get that boy home so he can have freedom to even suck his thumb :). He is so cute in those pictures!

Anonymous said...

Charissa,
He is ADORABLE! YOu are so lucky. And do ditch the dumb no thumb sucking rule. Nothing cuter than a little bow with DS 1/2 asleep, sucking his thumb!

Your blog makes we want to do this all over again, too!
Mary Stolz
Joey (2007 Ukraine) and Jacob (2009 Serbia) mom

Sandi said...

SWEET!!! Oh my goodness I just have fallen in love with that lil guy. Safe travels and am so glad you are finding time to blog because I'm checking daily :) Congratulations. So happy for your famil.

Deb D. said...

Really precious photos. I love how John's heart is worn on his face in these photos. So clearly he is tender and gentle with children. Seeing Joseph long to have him hold him, then seeing him so content in his arms says much about John and Joseph. What a blessed little guy.

June Berger said...

Oh my gosh, he is precious. He sure does seem to love his daddy. I'm sure he is crazy about his mommy too, she just seems to be taking all the pics ;o) . Such a blessing to follow along with your journey.

markay714 said...

The hat rule was the same in Russia. Daniel always had one on and I thought it was because he loved hats. He will NOT wear one now....ever! Too bad....I love baseball caps on little guys!