Getting reacquainted....

We arrived early this morning in the girls' city.  When we landed we learned there is snow on the ground and it was about -9 degrees celsius (approx. 16 degrees F)....brrr!!!  We were met by our other Marina (yes, both our translators/facilitators are named Marina!)  in the airport, gathered our bags, and headed out to meet our driver Alex.  It was DARK out - but great to see them both again!

They took us to the apartment, and we hauled all our stuff upstairs, and did a quick unpack - and then went to sleep!  We slept for about 4 hours, which was great - although we're still really tired! After sleeping, we got ready for the afternoon, packed up everything we needed and headed out to Dasha's orphanage. (Dasha is "Abigail" for those who weren't aware of the name change)

When we arrived at the orphanage, it was fun to see the grounds with a dusting of snow!  Such a change from when we were here in July!! 

We took off our coats in the office and headed into the visiting room.  The orphanage doctor came to give us an update, that she was doing well - she has some "dermatitis" right now (rash on her face), but other than that she has been healthy since we last saw her.  A few minutes later, little miss marched right into the room! :)  You could tell she was SO happy to see us!  She looked at us wide-eyed and then ran over to us!  She immediately found the toys on the shelves that we had played with before, and you would have thought no time had passed!!  She was laughing and giggling up a storm, wanted to be touching us, was wrestling with Brandon and chatted up a storm. Oh how I wish I knew everything she was saying!!  She would rattle something off to me, and I'd say "Really?" and she would respond "Da!"  (yes)  Silly girl! :)  They had some crazy huge bows in her hair today - and her bangs have been chopped really short into a classic orphanage mullet. Oh boy, can't wait to grow that hair out! :)  She showed us that she remembered the signs we had shown her on our last trip, and a few other things that we'd taught her as well.  She is so smart. 

 She quickly found the doctor kit (note to self...by a play doctor kit...) and started playing with it.  She loved this the last time we were here, and she surprised us with her accuracy with each instrument.  She used them properly on us to give us a thorough examination.  My two favorites were the little thermometer and the IV bottle.  With the thermometer, she took it and gave it a good shake, then stuck it under our armpit and held our arm down, then she'd take it out and hold it close to her face to "read" our temperature.  The IV bottle became eye drops - and she would hold our eyes open and then put the bottle up to it, then take her hand and wipe our eyes.  So fun to see her little imagination at work! :)

 This echo microphone was a lot of fun - she would CRACK up when Brandon would sing into it in a really low voice.  :)

Before we knew it almost 2 hours had passed and it was time to get ready to go.  When we started packing up our things, her little body language changed and I could tell she was sad that we were leaving.  She got really clingy, and didn't want me to put her down.  We went to get our coats, and she loved helping me put my hat, scarf and coat on.  She helped me get it all zipped up and then handed me my things.  She walked us to the door - but again got really clingy, but what a treat, she gave both Brandon and I kisses goodbye!!  On her own - unprompted by anyone! :)  Such a sweet silly sassy girl she is!! :) 

We're back at the apartment, and about to head for bed - we're still pretty exhausted!  We visit Emily in the morning tomorrow and Dasha again in the afternoon! :)  Can't wait to see our other little monkey too!!