Maks and mama

So this is a picture of me and Maks walking together outside. He is such a sweet boy, but very independent, hmmm sounds like me. When I first arrived yesterday he had a big poopy diaper they changed, I went with the caregiver and once done I reached out for Maks and he reached for me to pick him up. I asked my coordinator what she had heard from the caregivers about me, she said I got their seal of approval b/c he came to me like I am his mama. It was a short visit b/c we had to get some paperwork done in the late morning, then when we arrived it was time for lunch and he then takes a nap after lunch. Today I will see him this morning briefly then I head back home. The caregivers are very loving to the children, at least as much as they can be with so many children and some look very sick. This baby hospital is in much need of so many things, it is just such a different world here.

So on a lighter note, wanted to share a story of Maks. On my first visit he did two very cute things. He saw me blowing up the beach ball and then about an hour later he grabbed the ball and tried to blow air in it. It was so cute. Also I had been wiping his nose with the kleenex, later he found the kleenex in my bag and grabbed a peice of one and put to his nose. Oh, he is such a smart boy. I cannot wait to bring him home and start our life together.

Thanks so much for everyones support and prayers. It is so appreciated.

See ya soon.

Maks and Ginger

Pictures!

The first picture was taken August 24th 2009 as I prepare to leave St. Louis to meet my son. The second picture is the view from my room.

I met my son today

Today, August 27th 2009 in Russia I met my son. It was not quiet how I imagined, and did not have all the feelings I thought I might in the beginning, but it was a great day. I found him in a little room playing with other kids, but he looked like he just got done crying so it definately was not a good time for him. Then we went out to play and it took a little while for him to warm up to me, thank goodness for cereal. What a lifesaver. I was afraid of spoiling his lunch, but he wolfed that down very quickly. He pretty much feeds himself with just a little help for guidance and he drinks out of a regular cup. Of course at that age his aim is a little off. So not everything quite made it into his mouth. He had soup, smelt like vegetable, had potatoes, bread and I am not sure what else.





After eating we played some more. He is a very smart boy, remembered where I put things, would try to repeat some words, and has a lot of his own jibber that sounds like he is just trying to have a regular conversation. Then soon I could tell he was becoming very tired. We would walk down the hallway and then he would just sit down and cry. So he let me pick him up and rocked him to sleep. I hummed a couple of songs, so I am surprised he went to sleep with my terrible voice, but it was such a wonderful feeling to have him fall asleep in my arms. Then we sat on the couch for awhile and he slept until my coordinator came back for me. I carried Maks to his room and laid him down in his crib, he went down so well, did not cry when I left.





Once back to the hotel, after crazy traffice, I have to say I thought Moscow driving was bad, here it is crazy in a different way, I took off for a strole down to the bay where there are a couple of military ships, naval memorial from 1941, and just walked around. Tried to buy a watch but the watch was bad, but able to communicate with clerks between my poor Russian and my Russian dictionary. They did not try to sale me the bad watch, they said is was Valentino. Hmmm, it cost 1700 Rub, which is about $55. Doubt it was real.





So I was going to attach a couple of pics, one is of me leaving St. Louis, and the other is the view from my room here. Unfortunatly I am unable to figure out how to do it and I am getting sleepy, so until tomorrow. See you all soon!

I am going to Russia!

So I should of posted sooner, but on August 7th, 2009 I received the call I will be traveling to Russia. I arrive Wed August 26th and will meet my son August 27th! I cannot wait, I am so ready to leave now, but they always say good things come to those who wait.

Here we go again!

Good news! July 27th, 2009 I received a referral for a healthy boy from Russia and officially accepted him on July 28th. He is absolutely gorgeous, blond hair and blue eyes. He seems very patient. He is 17months old and developmentally seems to be right on track. He is probably a little small for his age, but not much and that is pretty normal for children in the orphanages in Russia. I am so excited, he is just everything I have ever imagined, and even looks like the child in my dreams. I am unsure yet of when I will travel on trip 1 to meet my son, but probably the end of August sometime. This has been such a roller coaster of a journey, but I know that everything happens for a reason. I appreciate the support and hope to have more good news soon. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.