A Year Later .....

One year ago, after so many complications, I boarded my 4th flight to Russia, to pick up our new son.  We had been through so much in those two years leading up to this point, to actually be at the stage of bringing him home was amazing.

This time I was on my own because finances were tight, (did I mention I don't like flying) but I had my eyes fixed on the prize.

Our boy was happy the first few days in Russia, but each day I could see his fear and anxiety grip him, (and it still does at times), to a point where he was so scared that I would leave him, he had to be on my knee in the bathroom.  He was an extreme velcro baby.

Leaving the orphanage

At the hotel

One very hungry boy 

His Old life and room 

Car trips were hard for him, being two and never having travelled, he vomited each time, and just look sea sick. 

I brought a few snacks with me from home to keep him going on the 21 hours of flying and three airports, but at age two, he couldn't chew food, he had never had the opportunity to use the muscles in his mouth in this way.  The airline also forgot to put food on the flight for him (an ex-orphan!!).
He cried on and off almost the whole flight home, not having ever slept anywhere except a cot, he didn't know what to do with himself.  I was so blessed to have a lovely lady take an interest in him, and rock him for half an hour to give me a break.  Each airport, a good samaritan would notice me and get luggage off the carousel for me.

A few photos of this year:

He arrived knowing Russian
Not verbalizing anything
Not being able to chew or drink properly
having to be carried everywhere so he felt safe
scared of animals, especially dogs
Not able to trust, which affected everything

The first half year was tough for him as he:
learnt a new language, and literally will not stop talking!!
learnt to trust we were here to stay and wouldn't leave him
Learnt that food was going to always be available.
And obviously the biggest, Learning to be part of a family.
Fell in love with his doggy too :)
Sings all the time, especially about the weather haha

He is happy most of the time, but I couldn't resist putting a grumpy one in too haha

So happy Adoption (forever family) day little man, I am so proud to be the mama of such a cute, loud, snuggly little guy, with a great sense of humor.  You are more wonderful, and perfect for us that we imagined.  Love you xxx