15 months old

Our Eli is 15 months old today!

This past Thursday (Aug. 28) was R's birthday, his first as a father. Since he had to work, we just had a nice celebration at home. It also marked 1 year since Eli entered the orphanage in Kolomna. We hate that he had to spend 8 months there before we were able to bring him home. We are so thankful to God that he is no longer there, and that he is safely home with us.

We have been home for 4 months now (as of Aug. 22), and he continues to adjust. Some of my favorite moments are when he laughs (he has an amazing laugh) and when he puts his head on my chest for a snuggle. He'll only do that for a few seconds at a time, but he is initiating it, and that is so huge. We love our precious boy so much!

He's been walking for 6 weeks now. His balance is much better.

Love that smile!

Playing with Daddy

The Karen Katz books (with the flaps to lift) are his favorites right now.

This flag that was flown over the capitol the day we came home from Russia and he became a citizen, April 22. (I'm so glad that I requested it from our congressman's office.) We ordered the case, and I love how it turned out. We put it in his room, and it looks so good.

He has started using a spoon to feed himself, which is right on target for his age. And notice, he's using his left hand. Our son is left-handed!

1st taste of chocolate cake!
We were celebrating my sister Allison's birthday. He seemed to like it ok, but wasn't crazy about it.

slavic gospel association

Normally, I don't post anything political to this blog, but in this case, I decided to make an exception. This evening, I received an email from the Slavic Gospel Association regarding the conflict in S. Ossetia.

(We have been supporting SGA for the last year. I was originally drawn to them because of the work they do in orphanages. We wanted to do something to help the children who would be remaining in Russia and who would not have a family. )

Here is more information on the SGA's aid efforts in the region if you are interested.

attachment progress

This afternoon, we had a family trip to Walmart. Eli was riding in the cart, and R was pushing. Eli enjoys the cart as long as you keep moving at all times and don't stop to look at anything! We tried to keep the trip brief, but by the time we were almost finished shopping, Eli was definitely ready to go. He started fussing, and then crying.

The best part was that he wanted me to take him out of the cart and hold him. He reached for me! I took him out of the cart and held him, and he actually stopped crying! He let me console him! I was so happy! It just made my day to know that he is starting to feel comfortable enough that I can be source of comfort to him. YAY!!!

6 months

6 months ago, on Feb. 11, 2008, we met our beloved Eli for the 1st time. It was cold in Moscow. Anton drove us to the MOE, and we received our referral. When we realized that Eli was born on our wedding anniversary, we knew before we even saw him that it was God's plan for him to become our son. We are so blessed to have him in our lives, and we love him so very much.

This is the 1st picture taken of the 2 of us together.

today's accomplishment

Eli used a spoon to feed himself today. He also held the sippy cup for the 1st time! We had tried several different cups, but he seems to like the Nuby cup the best.

Tomorrow he'll have a fun play day at Grandmama's house, and Mommy and Daddy are going to take some time for each other and go out to lunch together.

today's challenge

Today's challenge is definitely diaper changes. When we were in Moscow, it was extremely difficult to change Eli's diaper. He kicked his legs over and over, often while rolling from side to side. After we brought him home, things improved, but now it seems we are back to square one. He has started kicking again and moving a lot, but it's harder now, because his leg muscles are so strong. I try to hold his legs with one hand and diaper with the other, but he is just so strong now. We have tried saying things like "be still" or "lie still" in a soft voice, but that doesn't help at all. I stand back far enough that he doesn't kick my belly and his baby sister, but as I get bigger, that is getting more difficult! He seems to respond best when the behavior is ignored completely, but sometimes that is difficult to do. It is very frustrating! And since he is only 14 months, potty training is a long way off!

I went to the doctor this morning for the monthly checkup. I heard the baby's heartbeat, and it was very strong and regular. I am almost 23 weeks now, and other than feeling exhausted all the time, everything is going very well. Little baby girl F seems to be doing great.

3 months home

July has been a very busy month for Eli. He's been home for 3 months now.

On July 4, he celebrated his 1st Independence Day as an American citizen.



Developmentally, he has made such great progress. He can feed himself, and he has just started drinking his afternoon juice from a sippy cup. He can stack blocks now.



My sister visited today, and he had such a great time with her!


He can walk now! He took his first unassisted steps on July 17, and we are such proud and happy parents.

Today he walked on the grass in his bare feet for the first time! Considering he was afraid of touching or sitting in the grass when he first came home, this was a huge moment.

Attachment is coming along. When he is held, he will rest his head against my chest or R's chest and snuggle in for a few seconds now. He will also sit in my lap for brief periods. When he is playing, he will stop and make eye contact. If I'm sitting on the couch, he'll come over and hug my legs. He is able to receive and show more affection than he was 3 months ago. We love him so much, and want him to feel secure.

When I can make him laugh, it is the best thing in the whole world. He has the most adorable baby laugh, and it just melts my heart.