Since Rita's english vocabulary has really blossomed over the last month or so, we are having more and more conversations about her thoughts, feelings and history in Russia. The problem is ... I don't think her memory of Russia is always accurate.

1. Rita went with her groupa on a bus to a movie theater for a movie and dinner. They got candy, prizes and dolls that they could bring back to the Children's Home.

Believability factor = 9. We heard this story on Trip #2 from Rita translated through Lera.

2. Rita ate mostly meat and soup at the Children's Home. She didn't like the meat. She claims that they didn't have potatoes that often. She also ate alot of macaroni & cheese in Russia.

Believability factor = 5. Her story has been consistent about the first part. The potato thing came up recently. I can't verify the popularity of mac & cheese in Russia's orphanages.

3. Rita did not take a shower every day at the Children's Home. They also only brushed their teeth once per day.

Believability factor = 7. Sounds reasonable.

4. Rita hurt her finger in/on the fence when living with her caregiver. May have happened sometime (or on) her 6th birthday.

Believability factor = 8. Just writing here to remember.

5. One of Rita's caregivers told her that if she was bad girl she wouldn't get a new mama & papa but if she was good she would get a mama & papa.

Believability factor = 7. Sounds reasonable. Rita says that they didn't say this to her right before we met her. It was sometime earlier. She also wasn't expecting or waiting for a new mama & papa before she met us. She said that Julia (her groupa-mate) said that she wasn't going to get a mama & papa. After we visited her, she said it was a long wait for us to come back. Although she remembers meeting us, she hasn't expressed any feelings about what is was like to meet us or what she was thinking.

6. Rita's first parents drove vintage cars in Russia.

Believability factor = 1. Knowing her history this isn't possible. This came up tonight as we were attending a "Rods & Woodies" night in downtown Encinitas.

7. Rita's first papa taught her how to pee like a boy (standing up) when she was one year old.

Believability factor = 1. See #6. This story came up when I took her to the bathroom at the restaurant tonight and we had to use the men's because of the line at the women's was too long. With her hands, she demonstrated how to pee like a boy (without actually doing it).