He Eats!

We were so fortunate today to meet with Rita again and her friend Oksana. They were fabulous as always and helped us tremendously. They were able to translate for us and we found out all kinds of things about Quinton and his routine. They even allowed us to stay and feed him. We asked what he likes to eat and they said he likes everything. What he does not like is drinking. We were a little unsure because we have tried several things with him and he had not been willing to take any of them, but it all makes sense now. He eats pureed food from a bottle. They said that they know he is too old for a bottle, but it is the only way he eats and with so many children, it is the easiest for them as well. The nannies were very open and honest with us. It really takes time for them to get comfortable with adoptive parents. Up until now, they have been the ones providing for his needs. We do not agree with all of their methods, but it is becoming more and more clear that most of them do really care about him.

This is his daily schedule (more so for me when I forget, but if you are interested you can take a look):

6:30 wake up
8:00 breakfast
12:00 lunch
1-3:00 nap
3:00 snack
6:00 dinner
8:30 bed

Meals are interesting as you will see in the video. Today we fed him lunch. It was a milk based soup with carrots and corn, bread, ground beef softened with some kind of liquid-looked like refried beans or something, and mashed potatoes all blended together. This concoction is poured into a bottle with a huge hole cut in the nipple. If it is too thick, a little fruit juice (they call it compote) is added to thin it out.  I asked if Quinton holds the bottle himself and they said no. They do it for him. Ok-I have to be honest. Is he too old to need his bottle held for him? Absolutely, but this new mama is secretly thrilled. In no time, he will be eating on his own, I am sure, but I get to enjoy a few bottle feedings before that happens. I have told people teasingly that he will take a bottle from me and rock with me and he WILL like it because I need that bonding time. I of course was not serious, but I am elated that we will have a few of those moments before he turns full fledged toddler on me :) The nannies told us that they are required to give him 150 grams (I think it was grams?) of food and they give him 200. They said that he has a very healthy appetite and would like to have more. He usually fusses when it is gone. After the bottle we tried spoon feeding them the fruit compote, but they were correct. He wanted NOTHING to do with it. We tried a few more times and then just gave up. They said that they usually go ahead and mix it in with his food to begin with and that it just makes it a little sweeter-Yuck! Just in case you are wondering, it actually tastes pretty good minus the compote. I made a comment about it smelling good and Rita translated. The next think I know, there is a spoon in front of my mouth. It tasted like beef stew. As far as we understand, he can pretty much eat anything we can as long as it is pureed with some type of liquid. How we will get from a bottle to eating with a spoon (or even finger foods), I have no idea-trial and error I suppose. Any suggestions?

After lunch with Quinton, Rita and Oksana (sorry if I spelled your name wrong) took us into the city. They showed us around some historical places and took us to a children's store to buy some baby food that we can just add liquid to on the train and plane ride home. Then we went for pizza. It was very yummy and we had some lovely conversation. We learned a lot and exchanged lots of stories. I told them all about Reece's Rainbow and how we found Quinton. I love these ladies. They have made our trip so nice. I have talked to several other families and they were not given the opportunity to do things like play with the other children and see meal time among other things. Rita made this happen and we are so thankful for her. (Thank you Rita.)
After lunch we went to a shopping mall so I could use the restroom. It cost 2 grivnas (about 25 cents) but it was worth it because I tried to go at the pizza place and I ran into what I am guessing was a squatty potty that I had heard so much about. I was told that I needed to experience at least one, but I passed. It was pretty much a hole in the ground. I came out and Oksana laughed. She must have known. I asked her how you are supposed to use that thing and she could not stop laughing and neither could I. Brian then proceeded to ask Rita "So Rita, Carol wants to know how you pee in that thing." I was totally embarrassed. She said something about holding me up. Ummmmm...I just passed and commented that I wish I hadn't drank so much LOL. At the mall there was a ton of stuff to see and do. Most of the shops were very expensive, but there was lots to do with kids: bowling, ice skating, indoor playground, food court etc. Oksana and Rita showed us how to use public transportation and we rode the bus back to the village. It cost less than a dollar for both of us. I think it is a good thing we did not know how to use the buses before now. I think we would have spent a lot more money. We have saved a ton by cooking at our house here. There were definitely days when I just didn't feel like it, but we didn't have a choice. We might just have to go back out a time or 2 though. They have a baby store with lots of cute clothes :) and I want to pick out a special gift for Nina. We are staying at her house and she has been a magnificent hostess.

We were a little late for our afternoon visit-that's what happens with public transportation, but we still enjoyed a good hour and a half with Quinton. We are planning a small party for his groupa and nannies on Tuesday with chocolates, homemade cookies, banana bread, drinks, and bananas for the kids. I am dreading the day I have to leave all of those sweeties behind, but we will be celebrating Quinton's new life and sharing in a fun day with them-an opportunity that doesn't come their way too often. It will be so bittersweet, but I am hoping to focus mostly on the sweet :)

*Tomorrow it is official. Our 10 day wait period is up and no one can protest the adoption. Gotcha day is 4 days away!