Thursday, November 06, 2008

I spoke too soon

After 3 wonderful visits with Kristina, the last two have been rough. After reading this article I am beginning to think that Kristina may have ADHD. She seems to have some of the attributes of ADHD. I feel strongly about not labeling children with this or that - so I won't say she does have ADHD. I, myself, have ADD, so I know something about that, but I'm not a doctor or anything so I won't diagnose her as such. Rather, it's something I'm going to keep in mind when I take her to the doctor back in the states.

I was frustrated when I talked with a caretaker today. She actually speaks some English and I was asking her if she would translate some thing to Kristina for me. Whenever I meet with Kristina upstairs, it's in a small landing area by the stairwell - a terrible location for playing with kids. Kristina seems to thrive on the attention she will get from me by trying to go down the stairs. She's quite clumsy anyhow, so of course I'm concerned about her falling down the stairs. Today I decided to pretend it didn't bother me - in case she was just doing it for attention. I didn't freak out or anything and I was amazed at how well she up & down the stairs by herself. That was encouraging to me, but then when she wanted to go down the stairs again, I said "Nyet", and she didn't obey. She speaks Russian. She knows what "Nyet" means. So I asked the caretaker to explain to Kristina that I don't want her on the stairs because she could hurt herself. The caretaker responded to me by saying that Kristina won't understand that because she has a poor mind. Are you kidding me?! She's already saying 4 English words and doing 8 signs (in sign language). Yeah, that means she's got a POOR MIND, lady!! Then she told me that she wouldn't be very smart and would probably be a singer or a dancer. Yeah, like what is THAT supposed to mean?!?! I'm a singer - does that mean I have a poor mind? Grrr.

In more pressing news, today my translator calls me and says that many of the kids in Kristina's groupa have contracted chicken pox. She also says that Kristina hasn't had chicken pox yet, and that they were concerned about her contracting it and then we wouldn't be able to leave next wednesday for Kiev as planned. This is a problem in a few ways: I'm ready to take my babies home to the USA and the airline tickets have already been purchased to leave Ukraine. Plus we have to have enough time to visit the US Embassy and the medical doctors in Kiev before we can go. I ask for your prayers that either Kristina will have a strong immune system and will be able to avoid contracting it at all or that she will have it and get over it quickly. I saw her today and she felt feverish - not a good sign. :o( So, tell me, ladies - what can I do? Do you know any chicken pox remedies? Any major immune boosting fruits/veggies? At any rate, your prayers are greatly appreciated!!!

13 comments:

Kathy C. said...

When my kids had it I put them in the tub and rubbed oatmeal on it. That really did seem to help. Hopefully it will be all over by travel time.

At least you are going into this with your eyes wide open. It's good that you have an idea of what you will be dealing with. After a few months home a lot of things may right themselves.

Julie said...

Praying for Kristina and you!!!!

The Red Thread Kids: said...

Vitamin C and Zinc are immunity boosters that seem to work for me. :)

Melisa said...

Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry you are dealing with so much right now. And in a foreign place and without your hubby too. :( You can do it though. You are amazing.

Have I told you that my brother and SIL that lost their baby are adopting?! I'm so excited! Their baby will be born in Dec, if not sooner. The mom is on bedrest right now for early contractions. And they are also going to adopt their 8 yr old foster child. Exciting times, huh!

Rita Andrews said...

Im praying for you Jill. I know how lonely and frustrating it can be in a country all alone....so know prayers are going up for you

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traceylynndel said...

Hopefully she will get just a mild case. Has Nick had them? Katya got the chicken pox right before we left too. She was scabbed over enough for no one to care but she looked funny in all our pictures. Her babyhouse didn't seem bothered by them. They even let us visit her and take her away with the chicken pox. we had to point out the sores we felt needed some attention. You can buy the blue dye they put on the chicken pox there. It is their version of our camamille lotion. I can't remember what it is called but you can ask your translator.

Kristina's personality will change over time after being in your care. I am amazed at the difference in Katya after a year at home. She went the opposite way though. she went from a shy timid baby to a very busy affectionate toddler. She has Down Syndrom but is very smart anyway. Don't worry about what they tell you about Kristina's mind. It is just all they know to say. Much like we were 40 years ago.

Michelle said...

poor mind my you know what... I have a biological son that many would deem as having a "poor mind" (autism) ... don't listen to them! When you have Kristina on your turf and can be consistent she will most certainly (in time, now) get the idea what "nyet" means, when Moma says "nyet".

hugs

MamaPoRuski said...

Only vitamin Benadryl! So sorry about this!
The staircase issue is normal for a four year old. The children do not have expectations placed upon them so act 2-3 years younger in age than our US grown kids. Orphanage behavior does not usually last much past leaving the orphanage. I wish at times I could take Z back so they could see what a smart, polite and happy boy he is! (He was quite the BRAT while we were there!)
Hope you are getting good pics and videos too!

schoolmother said...

I am praying.
Joy

Saquel25 said...

Wow. I have no experience of chicken pox since these days kids are vaccinated for it. I'll be praying that you can leave as planned. I can imagine you are longing for home.

Diana said...

Jill - I have been where you are in SOOO many ways. In fact, your story really does sound very, very familiar. Why? Because we lived it, too.

As one who's BTDT, I have several thoughts I can share with you about some of the things you're writing about your experiences with the orphanage and also with Kristina...and also some possible ways to connect what the workers are really trying to say - but obviously not communicating very well...and also why. However, for a variety of reason, I don't want to post these thoughts publicly.

PLEASE, please, please email me offline at vorderbinnen at gmail . com - ASAP and definately before you leave region!! After we chat, you may need to do some research while you are there in order to gather some information you will critically need after you bring her home.

I promise - I have absolutely no alterior motive except to help you and your family!!

cara said...

I know of two families who took their kids from the orphanage while they were covered in chicken pox. Nobody said a word at the embassy or on an international flights. Cara

Tuan's Princess said...

Well, chicken pox isn't life threatening and once the sores are scabbed over they are no longer contagious. So I hope you have no trouble leaving. Emma is just now getting over chicken pox herself. Her legs are a bit spotty still but that's the only evidence left. I'm so glad that she and Daniel both had them. Shingles as an adult would really suck! lol