Day 5 at the Sun Orphanage

We have only had one play date today so far, but leave in a bit for the evening visit. I wanted to share that this mornings visit went great. Both came out without any trouble (they always come with us very easily and happily), we had a good time the whole visit and most importantly each group went by us with no one getting upset. Anastasia watched as her group went by, but she never cried or attempted to join them. Much better than yesterday! Both girls seem to be getting more comfortable around us. Sophia is making gestures towards Tim as is Anastasia to me. They both sat with us this morning which is progress since they always gravitate towards Sophia being with me and Anastasia being with Tim. Sophia is quite the talker (yes, a lot like Abby!). We are curious as to what she says to Anastasia. We are suspicious that she has told her "not your momma", etc... We now see a very real need to understand Russian!!! Anastasia is a lot quieter and a little rougher around the edges. Sophia appears to have been a favorite around here. Everyone talks to her and she presents herself like little Queen Bee. Anastasia... not so much. It has drove us nuts that Anastasia's teeth do not appear to be getting brushed and they dress in the same things, but some of this is cultural and some lack of supplies. Tim hit his limit and we took their toothbrushes and toddler toothpaste on a visit yesterday. Both girls took their toothbrushes very excitedly.... then started brushing their hair. That leads one to think they may not have seen one before??? Sophia picked up quick and 'brushed' her teeth. Anastasia through a FIT! Not impressed at all! We will attempt that again once we have them with us, not before! :) The sippy cups went over well when we first took them. It didn't take them long to get that figured out. They love the white grape juice we take. Every visit we have taken juice, a cookie each and a banana to share. We don't want to ruin their meal and get them in trouble (just in case) so we don't over feed them. They scarf it all down though rather fast so you know they appreciate it! Today I took some baby lotion. I put some on my hands first and they were watching so close. Then I got some out and put on Anastasia then Sophia. They both liked it and wanted more. We put on some more and I got them to smell it. They seemed to like being "girly". Friday night we figure must be their main grooming night because they both came out looking 'cleaned up' on Saturday morning. Anstasia was even wearing a dress (see photos loaded 2 post ago). Sophia is always 'dolled' up, but Anastasia was only dressed up Saturday. The other days she has been in 'orphanage attire' (mix matched, ill fitting clothes). We don't mind that they don't dress her up, in fact when they are dressed up we don't play as much because we don't want them to get dirty and in trouble (not sure if they would, but playing it safe). It is sad to see the little kids all over the place in mix-matched worn out clothes and shoes. Knowing this is their best. They deserve so much more. Money, fine clothes, etc... is not what is important though. They deserve the love of a family. Once they have that everything else will fall into place. It is difficult seeing the children's excitement over our visits knowing that when we leave they will remain. We know that they do not get the extra attention much so we are sure to wave at every child we see, smile, blow kisses, etc. They will try to talk with us so we attempt to as well. They are so excited by the little things. We just hope the extra attention will help them in some way. One day we were coloring at a picnic table with another adopting mom, her son and the daughter they are adopting when a caretaker came up with two children. We were able to invite them to join us and the two little girls really seemed to enjoy themselves. The caretakers seem to really care about the children... I'm sure there may be some that are not as friendly as others, but from what we have seen the kids are taken care of to the best of their ability here. Their ability is just limited by lack of money and supplies. They are unable to provide for them like a family could provide. Unable to love for them individually like a family could love. Their attention is divided by about 20 children as is their time and efforts. Pray each of these children find families... they deserve a family and our prayers.