July 16, 2010
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It has been a while since my last blog but as you know, that means things have been busy. Mark got off to the airport okay on Tuesday night. Sure miss having another therapist brain around. I have split my time this week between Foster and Kebe Tsehei. We (Mark and I) went out there on Monday, which turned out to be the celebration of the opening of their new building (funds donated by Italian and Spanish groups). What a huge change. They are not fully moved in, but all of the officials were there, media (Mark and I am sure were on some sort of t.v. report, newspaper print, or something somewhere!) – it was complete with coffee ceremony, Coca-cola, bananas, bread, popcorn, and candy. I cannot wait for the children to move in (as of Thursday, they were not yet moved in), as the new building has so many windows to let light in, bathrooms and showers, and much more space.
I have completed some more developmentals and continued to work with the children at Foster. The kiddos seem to be getting some tummy time, but not yet enough, and some play, but really needing some more cause/effect and/or interactive play. I will try and help come up with a list of suggested toys that the families can bring and get in developmentally appropriate toys in the appropriate rooms (e.g., no matchbox/hotwheels cars or Playdoh in the 6-9 month old rooms). Everyone means well, I think they just don’t know and/or are using what they have.
Reflux is everywhere, which seems to be a vicious cycle…all of the babies are held for their feedings, which is great, but often not burped, and then after feeding placed on their backs (flat) in their cribs so that they (the caregivers) can then feed the next kiddo. So, then reflux, spitting up/vomiting, coughing, and well, what I think congestion. Again, another “project” I would love to help with and take on, to help prevent some of this – this, along with the tummy time, and some more upright play opportunities would help strengthen those trunk/abdominal muscles which in the end will help with the reflux. Overall, all of the babies are happy, and very social, engaging and it is very, very evident how the culture here lends to taking care and loving the babies. There is no shortness of smiles, laughs, or giggles. I will work this week with some training/input on positioning; play opportunities, and increasing some language opportunities.
The weather has had some nice periods of sunshine. Liana and I even got a little sunburned yesterday at lunch. It isn’t so bad today, but let’s just say you could see the sleeve line from my t-shirt and my nose was a little pinker than usual! We have had some really good rains and thunderstorms, which I love, as long as I am not trying to walk home. Yesterday and the day before I was really lucky in that one, I was in a taxi (mini-bus) for the down pour and then this morning got to Limetree before any rain. The trick will be to get back home before the rain.
Not much else, just working on some homework today, but can’t seem to get Blackboard to load, so I can’t post my assignment. Bummer – will have to try a café later, but probably not here for free! : ) Okay, more next time. Hope everyone is doing well, thanks for the comments, and to Kim for sending them on! I love reading them, and they add lots of smiles; can’t comment back, as I can’t “see” the blog…so, there you have it! Talk to you soon!
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