Bonding

Today we got to take Zeb outside. Again, he only wanted me. He would kiss Mike and touch his hand, but he wouldn't let Mike hold him. We were able to walk all the way around the building with Zeb. There are several play areas all around. Zeb played on a teeter-totter, rode a toy car, we slid down the slide together, and we all walked hand in hand. He definitely still needs help with his walking.

We saw lots of other children out for their play time. It was very warm today. Supposedly the last warm day of the season. At one point, one of the caregivers was trying to shake an apple tree for the children to have an apple. She was unsuccessful, so Mike walked over and shook the tree. All the children picked up apples and ate them. We were quite impressed that several of the little ones offered apples to us! Sharing their bounty. It was a precious sight. Many of the caregivers would stop to talk to Zeb. He listens so intently to what they are saying. But never says a word. I was so hoping to see another RR child, but I didn't see any. I had my eye out for Langley or Rachel. Maybe another day.

Mike and I were both happy to see the children out playing, running, pushing each other on the ride-on toys. Non-walkers were being pushed in strollers. And the caregivers were so nice to the children. It was obvious that they really do care about them. I heard lots of praises given. (Crazy that I understand enough to know that)

Anyway, Zeb was afraid of the swings. I tried more than once, but each time he started to fuss. At one point Zeb walked with me. He really wanted to get to the stone wall. I couldn't understand why, but he was determined to get over there. Finally, I picked him up and he looked over the wall at the city beyond. And you could see the longing in his eyes. He didn't want to leave that spot.

But I managed to get him away from there and we went and played in the rocks. Now, I know it is a big no-no to sit on the ground in this country. But we did it anyway. And Zeb played in the gravel, very seriously, for quite a while. We then had to clean off his pants and wash his hands. We walked a little more but then it was time to go in. When the caregiver came to take him back to his groupa, he didn't want to go to her. He clung to me. But we told him it was dinner time so he went pretty willingly after that. Considering, it was only day two of our visits, I am quite pleased with our bonding so far.

Oh, and he did warm up to Mike toward the end of the visit. Mike got to hold him and they played with Daddy's hat a little. Zeb is so quiet and loving. I can't wait to get him beyond that stone wall.