Good Morning. We were able to see Todd today. He is still in isolation but we pleaded our case, that his Daddy does not have many days left to visit him before going home. They let us bring him into the visitation room as long as we promised to hold hom (not put him on the floor) and not to let him touch anything, hold any toys, etc. His rash seems to be clearing up. It is on his Face, palms of hands, tops of hands and a little on the sole of one foot. I was not able to take off his clothes to examine. I asked if many children in the baby house have the same rash and I am told No. Todd seemed fine, happy to see us, especially his Daddy. He definately noticed that the beard is gone. I am not sure how long they will continue the "isolation". For those of you wondering about the isolation I am told by another family that has been here visiting for several months that they have seen the room and that it is not bad. They say that this is where they put all new children that enter the orpanage for two weeks to ensure they have nothing infectious, etc.
As for Rachel we have been working on saying "please" and it has become a bit of a power struggle. Her carefgivers tell us that she "has very strong character". I think that means that she is very stubborn and strong willed. I told our interpreter to tell the caregivers that her new Mama has very strong character too and that Rachel will learn to say please.
After our visit with the kids we met with the head doctor at the babyhouse. Upon arrival to the babyhouse we did not ask many questions about the children and their histories as I knew they will not reveal too much until you have attached to the children. She feels that both children tend to have more food allergies than the other children in the orphanage. She says Rachel has it a little bit and that Todd is very sensitive to foods. She admits that really they do not know what foods they are allergic too. In general both children, in my opinion are incredibly healthy compared to other children that are commonly seen/adopted internationally. She says that Todd is virtually never sick, has only had a couple of colds. However, Rachel has a history of frequent respiratory infections and pneumonia.
Looks like I will be dusting off the Nebulizer machine. Morgan had a similar history so I am a pro. Other interesting things that she told us is that Todd is a "very nice boy" and that Rachel "will be a very nice girl but that we should not spoil her or feed her too much".
