Our little girl is growing up!! Emma started Kindergarten this past week, and it was quite an experience for all involved! We began the week by visiting the doctor, again. It is a whole different ball game here--you don't just take your shot record in, and sign some papers for school. Here you have to have a TON of checks, and they are all done at a clinic--Emma had to have her blood tested, eyes checked, etc., and also had to be tested for tuberculosis. While we were sitting in our main doctors office, another doctor called her and said that if the Americans needed another check up from another doctor they could oblige. Apparently, all of the doctors in Nizh know there is an American child going to kindergarten here!


After our last visit with the doctor, and the final filling out of paperwork, Tatiana took Emma and I to her school (Detsky Sad #18) so she could look around. We met with the nurse, principal and teacher, and then spent about 1 hour in her room. The next morning Inna and I walked her to school at 7am! The teacher wanted her there early before most of the other kids got there so she could get used to her alone. First off, Emma played, explored and ran around. Then, it was time for "gymnastics" where the whole class went to a room for calisthenics. Of course, Emma just sat there and didn't do anything but watch. She kept announcing to me across the room that she was just there "to get used to it." Next was breakfast...normally one of Emma's favorite activities. However, this morning she didn't touch anything! She was a bit intimidated. I thought it was very cute how the kids take turns helping set the table, and they even wear little hats and aprons! At this point I left to go home so Lee could go to work, and Inna stayed with Emma until 1pm, then they came home. This was the way it worked the whole week, and I think she did really well, and really seemed to enjoy it!

This next week, she will still only go for part of the day, and Inna will stay with her for the first part of it. Next week she should start full time and will attend by herself. I will keep you posted on how she does!