The Boccini Family

The Boccini Family

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November 14, 2008

Today Emilia and I expanded our horizons. I desperately wanted to find the same pacifier Em had used at the baby house, so I went looking at the “blue building,” the convenience/grocery store around the corner. It’s funny to think back and remember that I was concerned about going there when I first arrived because I thought I would get lost and not be able to communicate with the shop workers. Today when I went in, many of the workers came up to me and wanted to meet Emilia. They knew I was adopting, as Aliya had told them this on my previous visits with her, and they all were smitten with Em. With the exception of asking how hold she is, I couldn’t really make out what they were saying, but I knew it was all good. Smiles and cooing at babies are international!

The new pacifier was like manna from heaven. It was as if Emilia was reunited with an old friend. I’m not a huge fan of pacifiers, but I recognize that using one will help Emilia and me transition better, as it gives her comfort. And if Em is happy, I’m happy (that goes for less tired, too).

In the afternoon, I once again put Em into the carrier, and she, Kati and I ventured into town, where we did some shopping. Em was very good and even fell asleep on the walk home. I have to admit that I’m not accustomed to carrying fifteen pounds around with me all day, and my shoulders and back are a bit tight. However, it was worth the minimal discomfort to get out and about with my girl.

Tonight was Asian Night at the Pushkin, and I was very much looking forward to getting together

with my adoption friends, as well as a family that is living here at the hotel. Yet, I was very concerned that Emilia would have a meltdown because she did not get much rest today. I brought down the stroller, and the wait staff immediately descended upon her. It seems like everyone loves Emilia and her big cheeks! I was able to eat my dinner with little disruption and even stay for two special dance performances. Then, since I didn’t want to push my luck, I thought it best to go up to our room.

Although I can’t wait for Em and I to go home, I’m going to miss many of the people I have met here. The families, who are adopting, are truly wonderful people, and I can’t wait for all of them to be officially united with their forever children. Right now only one other family and I have our children in our care. The staff at the Pushkin has also been lovely and very accommodating. I really feel they make their guests feel at home. In some ways I feel like Norm in “Cheers” when I enter the reception area or the restaurant!

Since I can’t tell when Emilia will wake up, I need to conserve my own energy and get some rest. Little one woke me up at 2:45 a.m. and then 5:20 a.m., and she wasn’t quiet about it. Thus, I much catch my “zzz’s” when I can.