Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Our Little Man...

Our little man...we met him yesterday for the first time - it is still so surreal for us. So...a brief overview of our very exciting day: We were brought to the orphanage around 11am. Walking up was a little eye-opening. The orphanage is set amongst many very run-down apartments with a couple old, run down slides and graffitti on the walls. Walking into the orphanage is this immidiate feeling that everyone there is working so hard for these kids, every doctor and caregiver took as much time with us as we wanted. When we arrived we spent about one hour talking with the doctor, reviewing his social and medical history. A few concerns were discussed and then we were brought to a play room. I don't think I will ever forget the moment that occurred next. I was talking to one of our social workers when I saw her jaw drop. I turned around and in came walking this very cute, very small little boy...our little man. He is just adorable!! Ryan and I both gasped. It was a great moment. He is much smaller than we expected - he looks similar to many of the 9 month old children we know - both in weight and height. This was initially a concern however he appears to be doing well in so many other ways. We played for about 2 hours in a few different rooms. We also spent 30 minutes watching him have a session with a speech pathologist! He was able to complete all the tasks she asked of him, picking up blocks and stacking them, etc. During our play time there were a few times when he would put his arms out and run at me, giving me a hug!! Talk about pulling at your heart strings. He sat on both my lap and Ryan's (although he had never been around a man before). We gave him a blue teddy bear and a soft picture book with pictures of our family - he held onto those for dear life. We got to bring him into his crib for naptime and we then left for a couple hours and returned in the evening. He was just as cute and cuddly when we returned. As it neared bedtime he snuggled in my lap with his teddy bear for about 15 minutes. It was such a great day!!

So this morning (9am here) we are getting ready to go to the Ministry of Education to register some paperwork and name him!!!! We will be going back to the orphanage and then will be leaving for Moscow around 6pm tonight for another long 14 hour train ride. I think this ride will be so much more difficult because we are leaving him behind although we are also looking forward to seeing our daughter - and other familiar faces! Once we get to Moscow we have to do our 8 Doctor Medical (yep - that's right - we each have to meet with 8 doctors who speak Russian...looking forward to that!) We then will spend tomorrow night in Moscow (where I will post again) before heading home.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Your story brought happy tears to my eyes. Keep us all updated!

--Lisa
family blog at: http://lisamikeplus3.blogspot.com

Shane & Marie said...

Amy, how exciting. It sounds like you had a wonderful visit with him and he sounds like such a sweetie. Good luck at the 8 doctor medical. I can't wait to hear about it.

Troy and Rachel said...

This is such exciting news. I am so happy for you both. I'll be praying you have safe travels home and the time passes quickly for you until your court date. What a great post to read first thing this morning.

ACT room said...

pree-vyet
Wow what an experience, can't wait to hear more and see photo's. Good luck with the Doctor's. Miss you see you soon.
duh svee dah nee ye
The ACT room

Patti said...

He sounds like a very sweet boy! I can't wait to hear more upon your return!

MandyJo013078 said...

I'm so glad that everything is going so well Amy - congrats on meeting and having a great time with your little man! I can't wait to hear more about him! Mandy

Michael, Carrie, and S said...

I'm so glad your visit went so well with your son! It sounds like he is doing very well! It's great that you got to spend so much time with him! You all are in my prayers.

Aaron & Dana Craven said...

I was in tears reading this. I'm so excited for you guys!

Carey and Norman said...

Sounds like your visit went very well. I'm so excited for you. I cannot wait until we can all see pictures as I'm sure he is a cutie pie. I loved reading the part where he would hold up his arms and run to you. How sweet!!

It has been a long journey and I know you are ready to come home to see your daughter. We will keep you in our prayers as you travel home.

Anonymous said...

It's so good to hear the joy of meeting your new little one! You have a beautiful story. I pray that your journey goes well...in all ways. Can't wait to hear more. Blessings to you both Amy and Ryan!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you. Just reading this made me cry. I can't wait to see you, but am so sorry you have to leave him. See you soon. I am sooo happy for you guys.
Love you much
Amber

Susan said...

Amy what an awesome post!! I'm so happy to hear that he's everything you thought he would be and more. I can't wait to see some pictures of him. Let me know how the 8 doctors goes, it looks like we will have to do that too.

Becky and Keith said...

Congratulations!!! Sounds like you had the introduction/visit of a lifetime! I can't wait until you are able post pictures! Have a safe trip home...

ACT room said...

Not quite sure when you depart. In case you check this we wish you a safe and peaceful return trip and look forward to all the details and photo's Monday. See you soon !!
ACT room