Toddler Tuesday

First things first, Happy Birthday Mom!! Today, March 1, is celebrated by Romanians as looking forward to spring. I believe that call it Martie. Traditionally, men or boys give small pins with red and white ribbons to girls or women in their life. The ribbons have a small trinket attached, like a butterfly or a bear. Dan did not let us down, he arrived this morning with one for each Yoko and I. He gave one to each of the staff and they were happy. They had them pinned on their shirts along with others that they may have received.

I also got my fingernails painted bright Barbie pink by Coca this morning. For those of you that know me, yes, it does look a little strange. If I paint them at all, it is usually clear or French. Coca had hers done and was excited that I agreed to let her do mine. Sarah, didn't I do this last time too?

This morning I played with the younger toddlers. We were in the "preschool room". I got out a few puzzles. Daria just laid with her ear on the one that makes animal noises when you put the correct puzzle piece in its place. She will pull herself up and walk from place to place, she will even stop and change direction in the middle of the floor. Cristi usually doesn't like me to hold him, but today he found his way into my lap. I was sitting cross-legged and he laid across my legs on his tummy. I would turn him over and tickle him. He would laugh and laugh. I would let him turn back over, only to turn him over again and tickle him. Andreea (the twin) wants what everyone else has, she will go up to anyone and take whatever it is that they have. If you try to distract her or tell her no, she'll drop to the floor in dramatic fashion. Speaking of the twins, Venitsia (one of the aides), told me today how she tells them apart. Andreea has a small gap between her front teeth and Roxanna does not. I know they have other ways to tell them apart, but that involves taking their clothes off. I think one of them has a freckle on their shoulder. Celine seems to know the difference too. I also think the aides try to put Andreea in pink and Roxanna in green.

Speaking of Celine, she went to Bucharest yesterday to see a neurologist, only to find out the Dr. was ill and not seeing patients. I guess the office didn't think to call patients, even those traveling 5 hours. Gina, a nurse, went with and they were back late yesterday afternoon. KELLIE, Celine asked about you. On Monday afternoon we were in the big playroom and she kept saying something to me. I finally realized she was saying your name like a question. She wanted to know where you were...I told her Kellie, Pa, Casa...That is about the extent of my Romanian. She was missing you!!

Yesterday Petre threw up. He had been running a fever and they were giving him some medicine. I think he gagged and that is why he threw up. In the afternoon, while the others were napping, Andreea was in the kitchen. I didn't think she looked good, I went to feel her forehead and she threw up. I was able to get out of the way for most of it. She apparently was running a fever. I don't think they had the stomach flu, I just think they didn't feel good. I also think 2 year olds just barf.

Ok, back to today...in the afternoon I was a student in the preschool. I like hanging with them in the afternoon when Malika is there. When she says words and wants them to repeat it back to her, I do it too. I'm learning counting, animals, songs, objects, among other things. I wish I could retain more of it though.

The Dr. was at the clinic this afternoon. He saw several of the toddlers, maybe due to their barfing yesterday or just a checkup. I have seen him several times checking on Nicoletta and Ion.

Nicoletta has been getting medicine through an IV and Nebulizer treatments and Ion has been getting medicine through an IV too.

Oh, and Malika brough Yoko and I a gift for Martie too. It was so thoughtful!

Mihaela is bringing some food for us to share with the aides tomorrow at lunch. I know they are good cooks and I like to think of it as a team building exercise. We are team, even with the language barrier, I think the lunch is a good idea. I wish we would have done it when we first got here. Next time!

I think I told you I built a snowman on Sunday. The snowman is still standing, but lost his scarf. I guess someone needed it more than him.

I can't believe I have only a few days left, it seems like I just got here.

Heather

P.S. I am now accepting donations for an extended stay.