Pleven Day Two

Today was an amazing day in many ways. The new director gave me permission to visit other children! So I was able to see many of the kids who have been committed to in our group. It is so nice to be able to repay those moms who were here before me and they were able to get me pictures of Kolina but even more important, the knowledge that someone in our "family" has seen my child! Someone has laid eyes on my child and they are ok.

Is this a place I would want to see any child? No- but having laid eyes on them and knowing they are alive and ok is so valuable.

Then it was another 3 hours with my Kolina. I was able to talk with the Psychologist who agreed with me that Kolina is probably autistic. He was relieved to know that I knew it and that I was experienced with a child with DS and Autism. He spoke good English and it was nice to talk with someone here who "gets it". He and I even discussed how this country is much like the US was forty years ago, with regards to general philosophy of how to deal with children with disabilites. He says he has hope that with all of us coming to adopt these children that the Baba's and the staff and the country in general will understand that each child is worthy of a family and education.

Kolina seemed very tired today. I am not sure if it was overstimulation from yesterday or if she is coming down with a bug. She did seem to remember me and put her arms up for me to pick her up. This morning was in the second floor playroom with 4-5 kids with their Babas. Elizabeth's son Valentine was there with his Baba, so I got to spend three hours with both of them! Elizabeth, he is a doll and very interactive. Smiles and laughter!

Kolina loves flashing lights (Just like Lucas!) There is a muscial toy that is like a piano and it plays music and the lights flash, She like to put her face right down on the light and watch it flash. When the music stops she slap the table and cried and the Baba would push the button to make more music and make the lights flash. I showed kolina, by placing her hand on the button that she could make it start herself. She didn't understand it for a few times, but then she would start slapping her hand at the button instead of on the frame of the toy. She still can't make it start unless I aim her hand perfectly on the button, but I think she understands the concept now.

In a few minutes I can go back and see her for the afternoon session. Tomorrow we will go get her photo taken for the Embassy. I will be interested to see how she does in the car.