Russia
We went to Yekaterinburg
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Weekend Photos of Colby's First Sleepover
Mike and I had my nephew Keith over for Saturday night. He and Colby had a great time. Colby will be 2 in April and Keith will be 2 in June. Can you tell who is who? It certainly looks like they had fun.
Monday, March 23, 2009
An Amazing Weekend
What a whirlwind of a weekend this was. What started out as being a quiet, let's work on the yard weekend became a busy weekend for our little guy.
To begin with, on Friday Colby received some very important mail. His official certificate of citizenship came! It's official! Now we are just waiting for his Russian passport to come back from the Russian Embassy. We needed to send it to "register" him with the government. They want to know where he is living at all times. If we ever move, we need to reregister him with his new address.
We also received a phone call from my Ally, my sister-in-law. My mom was supposed to watch my nephew Keith but she has been battling a cold so she suggested to my brother Keith and Ally that Mike and I might watch him. So we did! He came over Saturday around 4 and stayed overnight until Sunday around noon. I was a little unsure how things would go with two little ones. Keith is just 2 months younger than Colby. They had only met once when we went to Mamie's birthday party. I was worried about how well they might play together, if they would share. I was also worried how Colby might react to Mike and me holding another little one. But, everything turned out great. They were a little apprehensive at first but soon became friends. They played with the MegaBlocks tool bench set, the stacking cups, and even the books. It was great for Colby to see Keith sit and "read" a book. Now he is starting to really show some interest in them. THe boys also played with my electric keyboard, playing some lovely music for us. Both boys ate well and there were no troubles going to bed. Although Colby woke twice during the night. He still does that about once a week, waking up crying, but then he will go back to sleep after I hold him for a couple minutes.
Both boys seemed to love climbing all over Mike. It was really cute. If one wanted to sit on his lap, both had to. This seemed to be the same for me when I sat on the floor with them. Colby did seem a little more "clingy" than normal. He wanted to sit with Mike or me and be held more than usual. I think it was just his way to reassure himself that we love him. I would hug him and tell him I loved him. That seemed to make him smile. This was a great socialization activity for both boys. I am so glad that they get along and seemed to enjoy playing together.
To end the weekend we had dinner with Mike's parents after our weekly grocery shopping trip. What a busy weekend for our little man. No wonder he was tired last night. I promise to post photos of our weekend, but I want to send them to Keith and Ally and ask them if I can post little Keith's photo first. So, pics to come! Keep a look out!
To begin with, on Friday Colby received some very important mail. His official certificate of citizenship came! It's official! Now we are just waiting for his Russian passport to come back from the Russian Embassy. We needed to send it to "register" him with the government. They want to know where he is living at all times. If we ever move, we need to reregister him with his new address.
We also received a phone call from my Ally, my sister-in-law. My mom was supposed to watch my nephew Keith but she has been battling a cold so she suggested to my brother Keith and Ally that Mike and I might watch him. So we did! He came over Saturday around 4 and stayed overnight until Sunday around noon. I was a little unsure how things would go with two little ones. Keith is just 2 months younger than Colby. They had only met once when we went to Mamie's birthday party. I was worried about how well they might play together, if they would share. I was also worried how Colby might react to Mike and me holding another little one. But, everything turned out great. They were a little apprehensive at first but soon became friends. They played with the MegaBlocks tool bench set, the stacking cups, and even the books. It was great for Colby to see Keith sit and "read" a book. Now he is starting to really show some interest in them. THe boys also played with my electric keyboard, playing some lovely music for us. Both boys ate well and there were no troubles going to bed. Although Colby woke twice during the night. He still does that about once a week, waking up crying, but then he will go back to sleep after I hold him for a couple minutes.
Both boys seemed to love climbing all over Mike. It was really cute. If one wanted to sit on his lap, both had to. This seemed to be the same for me when I sat on the floor with them. Colby did seem a little more "clingy" than normal. He wanted to sit with Mike or me and be held more than usual. I think it was just his way to reassure himself that we love him. I would hug him and tell him I loved him. That seemed to make him smile. This was a great socialization activity for both boys. I am so glad that they get along and seemed to enjoy playing together.
To end the weekend we had dinner with Mike's parents after our weekly grocery shopping trip. What a busy weekend for our little man. No wonder he was tired last night. I promise to post photos of our weekend, but I want to send them to Keith and Ally and ask them if I can post little Keith's photo first. So, pics to come! Keep a look out!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Future
I can't help but wonder what the future might bring for Colby. Who knows what he will be like, what he might want to do, or what interests he might have. We still haven't had him with us long enough to truly know what
he likes and dislikes. He still doesn't seem to have a favorite toy or activity yet. I do know that he likes the show "The Backyardigans" and he likes playing with the "daw". He has also started to show signs of really liking music. He loves when we play music for him and he will start to dance to any show with music, hence the enjoyment of The Backyardigans and The Wiggles. 
he likes and dislikes. He still doesn't seem to have a favorite toy or activity yet. I do know that he likes the show "The Backyardigans" and he likes playing with the "daw". He has also started to show signs of really liking music. He loves when we play music for him and he will start to dance to any show with music, hence the enjoyment of The Backyardigans and The Wiggles. A couple days ago Mike brought my old keyboard down from the attic. My mom bought it for me when I was in middle school, I think. It works really well for being that old. It plays different rhythms and you can change the sound the keys make. I think it has about 100 different sounds. Colby seems t
o really like playing with it. He played it this morning for about 45 minutes with Mike and I there. I can play some simple songs on it and Colby likes to listen to them. So, maybe we have a budding musician on our hands.... What do you think?
o really like playing with it. He played it this morning for about 45 minutes with Mike and I there. I can play some simple songs on it and Colby likes to listen to them. So, maybe we have a budding musician on our hands.... What do you think?
And yes, Misha likes music too!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
One Month
Wow! I can't believe that it has been a month already. We went to Kamensk to the baby home one month ago and brought Colby home! Amazing. So much has changed within such a short period of time.
Colby seems to be growing everyday. He has learned so much and is becoming such a big boy. He has become very expressive. Now he:
waves bye-bye
blows kisses
loves to dance
loves to "sing"
babbles constantly with meaning, even though I might not know what it means
voluntarily gives hugs and kisses to Mommy and Daddy
sits quietly to read a book with Mommy before bed (a big deal!)
loves to sit on Mommy's and Daddy's laps
gives hugs and kisses to his pal, Misha, our big black lab
continues to feed himself
has begun to eat chicken, turkey, and sandwich meats, but not hamburger yet
loves many fruits and some vegetables
loves to watch The Wiggles and The Backyardigans, anything that sings and dances
says Mama, Dada, although Daw is his favorite word (it's always about the dog)
loves his bath and lays down to "swim"
is trying to learn to hop but can't quite get it
And so much more
We are constantly chatting and playing with Colby to work on his vocabulary. I'm sure he will start to really talk soon. It seems to frustrate him at times that he can't but he certainly has learned how to get his point across. We also continue to work on his little temper. Being so used to getting his way, Colby hasn't learned patience yet, but he's starting to. I do see that he is really starting to bond with us, and the dog. He loves to be held and will volunteer hugs and kisses. It is amazing how much he has changed. I guess Mike and I are doing an ok job at this. Wow! One month already!
Colby seems to be growing everyday. He has learned so much and is becoming such a big boy. He has become very expressive. Now he:
waves bye-bye
blows kisses
loves to dance
loves to "sing"
babbles constantly with meaning, even though I might not know what it means
voluntarily gives hugs and kisses to Mommy and Daddy
sits quietly to read a book with Mommy before bed (a big deal!)
loves to sit on Mommy's and Daddy's laps
gives hugs and kisses to his pal, Misha, our big black lab
continues to feed himself
has begun to eat chicken, turkey, and sandwich meats, but not hamburger yet
loves many fruits and some vegetables
loves to watch The Wiggles and The Backyardigans, anything that sings and dances
says Mama, Dada, although Daw is his favorite word (it's always about the dog)
loves his bath and lays down to "swim"
is trying to learn to hop but can't quite get it
And so much more
We are constantly chatting and playing with Colby to work on his vocabulary. I'm sure he will start to really talk soon. It seems to frustrate him at times that he can't but he certainly has learned how to get his point across. We also continue to work on his little temper. Being so used to getting his way, Colby hasn't learned patience yet, but he's starting to. I do see that he is really starting to bond with us, and the dog. He loves to be held and will volunteer hugs and kisses. It is amazing how much he has changed. I guess Mike and I are doing an ok job at this. Wow! One month already!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Curls
One of the things that I remember the most about meeting Colby for the first time, in June, is how cute his curly hair was. He had the cutest of curls right in the middle of his forehead. When we saw him again in February, I was so happy to see that his hair still had those curls. However, he had been given the worst of haircuts. It didn't look too bad when we first saw him but in the few weeks we have been home, it has grown a little too much and it began to look really uneven. Although it meant losing his curls, for now, Mike and I brought Colby for his first haircut. We were both worried about how he would behave but he did really well. No tears at all, no fuss, as long as he could keep his coat on. He loves his coats.
The lady cutting his hair put the fishy apron on him and he looked a little stunned at first. The lady was great with him though, talking the whole time and playing with him. Colby even gave her a high five! His hair was cut really short but that is because his last haircut was terrible. It looked like someone started cutting his hair and he fussed so they stopped. It was really short underneath and in the back and long in the front. Both Mike and I think he looks a little more grown up. And the short hair certainly shows off his cute face a little better. What do you think?
Here I am before my hair cut. I just woke up from my nap.
Here I am during my hair cut. I sat really still.
Here I am after.
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Busy Happy Birthday Weekend
This weekend was quite a busy one. I was a little worried, ok a lot worried, about how Colby would handle the over-stimulation but I think, overall, he did really well.
Saturday we went to my grnadmother, Mamie's house. It was her 90th birthday! Yeah, Mamie! The whole family got together which is about 40 people. Unfortunately, my sister Karin and her husband and 2 kids weren't there. Also a couple of my cousins weren't either but most everyone was. Mamie and Poppy have 5 children and together there are 19 grandchildren, many married, and now Colby makes 12 great-cgrandchildren. What a full life. We get together for all holidays and special occasions. Mamie's sister, Aunt Arlene, was also there along with her family, many of whom I haven't seen in a long time. It certainly was a full-house. I was curious to see homw Colby and my youngest nephew, Keith, would get along. Keith is 2 months younger than Colby. They played together a little bit but not much. It will be interesting to see how their relationship grows. I'd love for them to spend a lot of time together.
When we first got to the house, many people were already there. I carried Colby in and he stayed with me for awhile. He did eventually let my sister Kristin hold him and he let my mom hold him too. He loves his Grandma. After about 20-30 minutes Colby wanted to get down and he was off. He went exploring and following Keith around, but making sure I was close by. It was really cute. I did notice as the day went on that he became even more bold and would just take off without either Mike or I. I had been worried that he would have a breakdown but instead he became bold and curious. My worry is that he is TOO willing to go off on his own and that he doesn't know he needs Mike and me. I guess we still have some family bonding to do.
If Saturday wasn't enough, Sunday we went to Mike's parents for dinner. It was Mike's dad's birthday. We had dinner with them, Mike's grandparents, a few of his aunts, and his brother David and his wife Jocelyn. Colby had met everyone except David and Jocelyn already so at least it wasn't too much newness. David and Jocelyn bought him some clothes and a cute spiral racetrack and cars. You start the cars on a platform at the top and push the lever to make them race down the spiral track. Of course, it makes the racetrack noise. Colby loves it. He played with the family. It is obvious that he loves Mike's grandfather, Poppy, though. They are so cute together. Colby did really well there too. Both days he ate more than we have seen him eat before. A lot of fruit and vegetables and a few potato chips too. He even ate the meat and sausage in the lasagna!
Now that the crazy weekend is over, my little man is really tired. He had a little trouble settling down to sleep both nights and last night he woke up around 5:30 for about half an hour. Mommy is really tired now! I think the whole weekend made for a tired little boy. We didn't make it to nap time today, he fell asleep in his high chair while eating his lunch. He is so cute!
I'm not sure if I should worry about his willingness to explore without Mike and I during Saturday's party or not. He did seek us out many times, after a few minutes away, so that made me feel better. I know he is bonding to us and seeks comfort from us. I just don't want him to be too outgoing and carefree. Does that make sense? Maybe I am overthinking things too much. Any thoughts? Well, laundry is calling before the little man wakes.
Saturday we went to my grnadmother, Mamie's house. It was her 90th birthday! Yeah, Mamie! The whole family got together which is about 40 people. Unfortunately, my sister Karin and her husband and 2 kids weren't there. Also a couple of my cousins weren't either but most everyone was. Mamie and Poppy have 5 children and together there are 19 grandchildren, many married, and now Colby makes 12 great-cgrandchildren. What a full life. We get together for all holidays and special occasions. Mamie's sister, Aunt Arlene, was also there along with her family, many of whom I haven't seen in a long time. It certainly was a full-house. I was curious to see homw Colby and my youngest nephew, Keith, would get along. Keith is 2 months younger than Colby. They played together a little bit but not much. It will be interesting to see how their relationship grows. I'd love for them to spend a lot of time together.
When we first got to the house, many people were already there. I carried Colby in and he stayed with me for awhile. He did eventually let my sister Kristin hold him and he let my mom hold him too. He loves his Grandma. After about 20-30 minutes Colby wanted to get down and he was off. He went exploring and following Keith around, but making sure I was close by. It was really cute. I did notice as the day went on that he became even more bold and would just take off without either Mike or I. I had been worried that he would have a breakdown but instead he became bold and curious. My worry is that he is TOO willing to go off on his own and that he doesn't know he needs Mike and me. I guess we still have some family bonding to do.
If Saturday wasn't enough, Sunday we went to Mike's parents for dinner. It was Mike's dad's birthday. We had dinner with them, Mike's grandparents, a few of his aunts, and his brother David and his wife Jocelyn. Colby had met everyone except David and Jocelyn already so at least it wasn't too much newness. David and Jocelyn bought him some clothes and a cute spiral racetrack and cars. You start the cars on a platform at the top and push the lever to make them race down the spiral track. Of course, it makes the racetrack noise. Colby loves it. He played with the family. It is obvious that he loves Mike's grandfather, Poppy, though. They are so cute together. Colby did really well there too. Both days he ate more than we have seen him eat before. A lot of fruit and vegetables and a few potato chips too. He even ate the meat and sausage in the lasagna!
Now that the crazy weekend is over, my little man is really tired. He had a little trouble settling down to sleep both nights and last night he woke up around 5:30 for about half an hour. Mommy is really tired now! I think the whole weekend made for a tired little boy. We didn't make it to nap time today, he fell asleep in his high chair while eating his lunch. He is so cute!
I'm not sure if I should worry about his willingness to explore without Mike and I during Saturday's party or not. He did seek us out many times, after a few minutes away, so that made me feel better. I know he is bonding to us and seeks comfort from us. I just don't want him to be too outgoing and carefree. Does that make sense? Maybe I am overthinking things too much. Any thoughts? Well, laundry is calling before the little man wakes.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Milk, Snuggles, and A Happy Birthday
I am so thankful for all of the kind words and wonderful words of encouragement from all of you. It means so much to know that other people do understand my feelings and have gone through the same things that Mike and I are going through now. Someone had asked about giving Colby milk and if the orphanages give the children milk. I don't think Colby ever had milk. When we fed him he always had a little mug of juice or tea which he drank up quite quickly. We did feed him snack on day and he had a mug of something that looked a little like milk but was more creamy. More like a runny yogurt type of drink. I think they call it kefir. Mike and I stuck with juice in Russia but after a couple days home we started giving him whole milk, mainly at breakfast and right before bed. He doesn't drink much of it but he seems to like it. Otherwise we drink lots of juice, mostly apple although we are introducing other flavors. He really likes the Srtawberry-Kiwi. We haven't tried orange yet.
To update on our snuggles: We have had great days lately. I'm not sure what has caused the change but beginning yesterday Colby has been more snuggly, almost clingy. I really hope that it isn't due to a cold coming on. Perhaps his teeth are bothering him. He is cutting 4 teeth right now. I certainly haven't minded the snuggles at all. Last night Colby cuddled with me in our lounge chair as Mike and I watched American Idol. He wasn't laying down to sleep so I snuggled with him there. He fell asleep after a little while and I just held him, for almost the whole 2 hour show. What could be better than having a sleeping child in your arms? What a great feeling. Mike and I have also encouraged Colby to give more hugs and kisses. He loves to blow kisses so we do that often. We have also started hugging and kissing eachother more in front of Colby so he can see what it means to love someone. He thinks it is funny. He gets a huge smile on his face when we hug and starts giggling. It is really cute.
Yesterday Colby and I had a great day visiting with Mamie and Aunt Doone (my grandmother and my aunt Lorna). Mamie had already seen Colby the day after we came home but Anut Doone had yet to see him. Aunt Doone and I are really close. She also adopted her 3 children so she can understand how I feel. I wanted Colby to meet her before we go for the big party on Saturday. Mamie is turning 90! The whole family is getting together and that means over 40 people. My mom has a big family and I love it but it just might overwhelm Colby. I wanted him to get used to Mamie's house and see my aunt so he knows a few people when we get there. Well, they hit it off. Colby loved Mamie's house and all the things that little fingers can get into trouble touching. Aunt Doone loved playing with him and it was a wonderful day. Unknowingly, I had forgotten that it was Aunt Doone's birthday yesterday. I remembered later. She was so happy and I am glad that I could give her such a great birthday. Colby even gave Mamie and Aunt Doone a hug goodbye all by himself. He just toddled over and threw himself in Aunt Doone's arms first to get a hug. Then to Mamie. It was so amazing, I almost cried again. Tears of joy!
To update on our snuggles: We have had great days lately. I'm not sure what has caused the change but beginning yesterday Colby has been more snuggly, almost clingy. I really hope that it isn't due to a cold coming on. Perhaps his teeth are bothering him. He is cutting 4 teeth right now. I certainly haven't minded the snuggles at all. Last night Colby cuddled with me in our lounge chair as Mike and I watched American Idol. He wasn't laying down to sleep so I snuggled with him there. He fell asleep after a little while and I just held him, for almost the whole 2 hour show. What could be better than having a sleeping child in your arms? What a great feeling. Mike and I have also encouraged Colby to give more hugs and kisses. He loves to blow kisses so we do that often. We have also started hugging and kissing eachother more in front of Colby so he can see what it means to love someone. He thinks it is funny. He gets a huge smile on his face when we hug and starts giggling. It is really cute.
Yesterday Colby and I had a great day visiting with Mamie and Aunt Doone (my grandmother and my aunt Lorna). Mamie had already seen Colby the day after we came home but Anut Doone had yet to see him. Aunt Doone and I are really close. She also adopted her 3 children so she can understand how I feel. I wanted Colby to meet her before we go for the big party on Saturday. Mamie is turning 90! The whole family is getting together and that means over 40 people. My mom has a big family and I love it but it just might overwhelm Colby. I wanted him to get used to Mamie's house and see my aunt so he knows a few people when we get there. Well, they hit it off. Colby loved Mamie's house and all the things that little fingers can get into trouble touching. Aunt Doone loved playing with him and it was a wonderful day. Unknowingly, I had forgotten that it was Aunt Doone's birthday yesterday. I remembered later. She was so happy and I am glad that I could give her such a great birthday. Colby even gave Mamie and Aunt Doone a hug goodbye all by himself. He just toddled over and threw himself in Aunt Doone's arms first to get a hug. Then to Mamie. It was so amazing, I almost cried again. Tears of joy!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Pulling Hair
We have been home now just over a week. What a week it has been. What an amazing week of ups and downs, twists and turns. A week of pulling hair.
The past few days have not been easy ones. I think Colby is starting to settle in and has started testing our boundaries. Nothing very drastic but he does throw a great temper tantrum dropping to the floor and crying big crocodile tears. He also bangs his head against things which I think is an orphanage learned behavior. The thing that has upset me the most though is that Colby has begun pushing me away. He pushes both Mike and I away at times but within the past 3 days Colby has started pushing me away more and more. Right from the beginning COlby enjoyed snuggling with me, especially at bedtime and naptime. He would fall asleep in my arms as I rocked him. It was the sweetest thing. However, now he seems to want Mike more or even just to be left alone. I'm not sure why this has changed, but I miss my cuddles. It has really upset me at times, Sunday being the worst. I admit I do get frustrated with his screaming and tears, and being pushed away or even hit really hurts. I just don't know what to do and that makes me want to cry and pull my hair out in frustration.
Ok, that's the down. I guess I needed to moan a little but I must say that overall things have been wonderful. Colby has really enjoyed his new home. He is growing so much everyday. I love his dimples when he smiles and his laugh will melt anyone's heart. I think he is the cutest though when he starts to dance. He loves all kinds of music. His Poppy (Mike's grandfather) played polka for him when we went to visit last Friday. He smiled from ear to ear and waved his hands. He likes to point his fingers and wave his hands up and down. He almost looks like an orchestra conductor. He keeps a good rhythm too. I have tried to get a photo but he stops everytime to smile and the camera. Maybe I'll catch one soon.
Everyday Colby seems to learn new things. This weekend his new thing was blowing kisses. Colby has always enjoyed waving "baka" or bye bye. Now he waves both hello and goodbye but has also started to blow kisses. It is the cutest thing when he puts his hand on his cheek and smacks his lips. So cute. He has also learned to "shush" the dog. He puts his finger near his lips and "says" sh, sort of like blowing a raspberry.
But my most favorite part of being a mommy is holding my little man, when he will let me, and rocking him to sleep. When he gets sleepy or when he needs comfort, Colby wraps one arm around my neck and plays with my hair. He lightly pulls at my hair twisting it in his little fingers. That small gesture warms my heart and makes happy tears sparkle in my eyes. Whoever thought that someone pulling my hair would be a good thing?
The past few days have not been easy ones. I think Colby is starting to settle in and has started testing our boundaries. Nothing very drastic but he does throw a great temper tantrum dropping to the floor and crying big crocodile tears. He also bangs his head against things which I think is an orphanage learned behavior. The thing that has upset me the most though is that Colby has begun pushing me away. He pushes both Mike and I away at times but within the past 3 days Colby has started pushing me away more and more. Right from the beginning COlby enjoyed snuggling with me, especially at bedtime and naptime. He would fall asleep in my arms as I rocked him. It was the sweetest thing. However, now he seems to want Mike more or even just to be left alone. I'm not sure why this has changed, but I miss my cuddles. It has really upset me at times, Sunday being the worst. I admit I do get frustrated with his screaming and tears, and being pushed away or even hit really hurts. I just don't know what to do and that makes me want to cry and pull my hair out in frustration.
Ok, that's the down. I guess I needed to moan a little but I must say that overall things have been wonderful. Colby has really enjoyed his new home. He is growing so much everyday. I love his dimples when he smiles and his laugh will melt anyone's heart. I think he is the cutest though when he starts to dance. He loves all kinds of music. His Poppy (Mike's grandfather) played polka for him when we went to visit last Friday. He smiled from ear to ear and waved his hands. He likes to point his fingers and wave his hands up and down. He almost looks like an orchestra conductor. He keeps a good rhythm too. I have tried to get a photo but he stops everytime to smile and the camera. Maybe I'll catch one soon.
Everyday Colby seems to learn new things. This weekend his new thing was blowing kisses. Colby has always enjoyed waving "baka" or bye bye. Now he waves both hello and goodbye but has also started to blow kisses. It is the cutest thing when he puts his hand on his cheek and smacks his lips. So cute. He has also learned to "shush" the dog. He puts his finger near his lips and "says" sh, sort of like blowing a raspberry.
But my most favorite part of being a mommy is holding my little man, when he will let me, and rocking him to sleep. When he gets sleepy or when he needs comfort, Colby wraps one arm around my neck and plays with my hair. He lightly pulls at my hair twisting it in his little fingers. That small gesture warms my heart and makes happy tears sparkle in my eyes. Whoever thought that someone pulling my hair would be a good thing?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)