It turns out President Nazarbayev's visit is still going on today, as well. So, as expected, the traffic was an issue, and we ended up walking back to Uratu restaurant for lunch yet again. We didn't get to walk over to Cosmonaut Hotel for lunch like I thought we could, as it turns out that's were the dignitaries and VIPs were staying so that part of the road was closed and there was no way we were going to get in. Don't get me wrong - the food at Uratu has been good, but it will be nice to go somewhere different for lunch tomorrow after having gone there 3 days in a row.
Michael is back on his regular Baby House diet today. The usual bowl of porridge and bottle of juice were waiting for him this morning. However, he was restless, as were most of the other babies. It was humid and warm today, especially this morning and early afternoon, so that made some of the babies a little cranky. The fact that Michael had a seriously messy diaper this morning did not help his mood, either. But once we changed him and he ate breakfast he was more playful. We took him outside this morning, too. We were able to sneak him outside with only a hat on, which is almost unheard of here. It could be almost 90 degrees outside, and they want the babies completely covered up, head to toe. And all hats must cover the babies' ears. It's not unusual for it to be in the lower 80's (F) and for the caregivers to expect the babies to still wear snowsuits. We saw it ourselves in the few days we've been here. Remember, they believe it is bad for the babies to get cold. I personally don't think the babies need to get heatstroke, either, but I really cannot complain. Overall, the babies here are getting the best care they can under the circumstances, and we are so grateful that they do care for all the children here, including our Michael.
This afternoon the massage therapist came into the playroom to show me some exercises we can do with Michael on an exercise ball to help strengthen his legs and upper body, as well as improve his balance. She will be back again tomorrow for the afternoon visit to show us more exercises. Since it was so warm in the room Michael didn't really want to cooperate, and he started to get fussy. The funny thing that happened this afternoon is that Michael and another baby, Lucas, were in a crawling race. Unfortunately, Michael did not win (I think he got distracted from the parents and caregivers cheering the babies on), but it was also amazing to see not only how far Michael has come in the last 12 days, but how far along Lucas has also come. Lucas is going through the bonding period with his parents (the Canadians from Ontario). When his parents first arrived Lucas could really not do anything much and was just content being held or rocked. Now he interacts with his parents and crawls everywhere; it really is amazing how much of a difference one-on-one attention can make in just a matter of days. I don't have any pics of the race, but Jeremy (Lucas' dad) will try to email them to us so that I can post them.
Well, Sean's still trying to get over being sick. James is still full of energy and doing great - no signs of getting ill, thank goodness. Hopefully, it won't be much longer before Sean feels better. Even though I'm over being ill, I still have a little residual sore throat. I also have some congestion (as does James), but I'm wondering if maybe it's my allergies acting up to the air out here. The trees out here look like cottonwoods, and they are in full bloom with fluffy white stuff everywhere. It's like it's snowing in summer! At least we are supposed to get a reprieve from the really warm weather as a cool front should be coming through. Today's high was about 80 degrees (F) which really wasn't too bad, but when it starts climbing to about mid-80s to 90s it can start getting a bit uncomfortable, especially since there is no air conditioning in most places here. The restaurants where we've lunched have had a/c, but there's no a/c in our apartment or at the Baby House. Tonight's lows will be in the mid-40s (F) with the highs in the mid-70s (F) tomorrow, so it should be nicer.
James continues to do well in taking over the big brother role. He enjoys going to the Baby House. Every afternoon he asks if we are going back to the Baby House in the morning to visit Michael. When we answer yes, he yells, "YAY!" He says he loves his brother and that when Michael comes home he is going to teach him everything.
A belated Happy Canada Day (was yesterday) and a Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone back in the states! I know it's a long weekend, so we hope you all enjoy it and stay safe!
Here are just a few pics from today, and we'll see you tomorrow!
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Paka paka and love to all!
