Popcorn

We decided to skip dinner tonight and had popcorn and a bottle of wine. And this is after only 3 days!

The weather was a little less cold today. Snow melted a bit but still plenty of it. We walked to the hospital this morning. It took about 25 min. and wasn't too slushy and cold. A good start to the day.

A few words about the hotel. It is ok. I put a blanket under the bottom sheet so my bed isn't quite as hard. Internet doesn't work all that well in my room but works fine next door. Go figure. Food is ok and typical of other hotels here. The chef at Tutova is still the best. I think the rooms are a bit small for two people but is fine for me on my own. Also fine once I got the radiator turned off.

Before I forget I have to tell you what Marius did at the end of the day today. He took the small chairs and arranged them in a semi circle and a few in a line and then sat in them. I think they do some kind of school at the placement center so maybe he was recreating it? As a baby his eyes were blue but they are now more green. Still has the cutest dimples. Tends to fixate on a toy but can distract him. He is so thin and hasn't grown much in the almost 2 years since I last saw him.

Luca is a doll. Robin was whistling and he was entranced and laughing and almost trying to imitate her. He likes to rock on the teeter totter like toy but now also propels himself down the hall in the chair. We need to work with him on walking. We were told he used to sleep a lot during the day but he seems to be more active. I keep thinking he looks a bit jaundiced but who knows.

Luciana was fussy today. We hear she tends to sleep a lot but has been awake more so maybe she was overstimulated. Cleo wasn't quite herself and Andrei had some crying spells. We tried a pacifier with him which seemed to work but I don't think they want him to have one.

Delia actually said her name today! I missed getting it on video and of course then couldn't get her to day it again.

Elena seems to enjoy her physical therapy sessions with Dan. He has watched the PT work and is quite good at working with the children. Seems like there is more PT going on although it has been more with other children in the floor than with ours.

Alina and I had quite the adventure today. I took her up and down the stairs a few times. On the way up she started to run and did a face plant on the landing. There was so much blood it scared me to death. I ran with her up the stairs and the nurse got her under the water. Turned out she had a split lip and was soon fine and wanting to go back up and down the stairs. Suffice to say I thought we had had enough of that for the day. I actually had to wash blood off my slippers and shirt!

Today was the feast day of the three hierarchs and there was a service in the chapel at the end of the hall. Alina sat with Beth quietly for quite some time checking out what was going on. The ladies gave her a pretzel looking thing and an orange and apple. Everyone is always enchanted by Alina. I was at the doorway for a part of the service and prayed for a family for her and the other children. BTW, the three hierarchs are three bishops from the 300's.

I showed Coca pictures of Raul today and she was so thrilled and happy to see him and how he has grown.

We are walking to the hospital again tomorrow. I love it!