A Year Ago

A year ago today, Mike and I were in Yekaterinburg, Russia making our way to Kamensk-Uralsky to see a little boy. The uncertainty of that trip and all the emotions are still vivid in my memory. The road was a long one, about 2 hours south from Ekat, and along the way we tried to chat with our coordinator. Then, just to add some fun to the fix, we were stopped by a police officer. I am told now that this is a common occurrance in Russia. The police still pull people over to try and get money from them. However, we didn't know that then and all I could do was sit wide-eyed in the car as our coordinator walked across the street and got into the police car. I stared at Mike and asked, "Now what?". He wasn't sure but wanted to know if we had the phone numbers handy. I told him no, that they were back at the hotel except for our coordinator's and that wouldn't help. It seemed like forever but she soon returned and we were again on our way.

A year ago today, Mike and I walked into a baby home in Kamensk-Uralsky and were lead up the stairs to talk with the director of the baby home. She seemed nice as she talked to us about this little boy. Now I know that she is nice and a wonderful person to take care of those children and love them as she does. We were then led downstairs and outside to the play area.

A year ago today, Mike and I stood outside the baby home wondering how it would be to see this little boy. He was 14 months old then and probably unaware of the emotions raging through our minds and hearts. And then, he was brought out to us and our coordinator placed him in my arms.

A year ago today, Mike and I held a little baby boy who would change our lives forever. He came into our lives then and for many months thereafter we fought paperwork, emotions, and separation to bring him home to us and our families.

Today, we have been home for 4 months but yet it seems Colby has been ours forever. What an amazing voyage we have made in just 1 year.

Today, I am the mother of a beautiful 26 month old named Colby. And that little boy we met one year ago has changed so much.

Then: June 23, 2008:

Now: June 23, 2009:

Cuddles

This week has been really good. Colby is learning so much and growing a lot. I almost forget he has only been exposed to the English language for just over 3 months! Wow!

Colby has also been much more affectionate this week. Twice for nap and once at bed time time he sat and rocked with me to fall to sleep. One day we ate lunch a little later than usual so it was nap time after he finished. After washing him up I took off his shoes. This is something I often do. I guess Colby knew it was nap time because then he said, "Nigh nigh." I told him yes it was time for his nap. He then said, "Rock, rock." I couldn't believe my ears. Just the day before he rocked with me in the chair before his nap. He had climbed into my lap and snuggled right in. So, I asked him if he wanted his crib or to rock with Mommy and he again said, "Rock, rock. Mommy." So we sat together in the rocking chair and rocked and he was soon fast asleep. What a great feeling. If only someone had a camera, but no one else was home. Colby looks so cute when he sleeps.

So Much To Do

This has been a quiet week. We actually spent the weekend at home and got some yard work done. Mike went and helped my brother Keith put on a new roof on Saturday so Colby and I stayed home. I was able to trim the bushes in our front yard. They were looking a little raggedy.

Today was finally sunny and warmer. Colby and I went to the park. He enjoyed the swings and the slides and even met a few little friends. One little girl he was playing with was really cute. They were close in age. At one point they held hands and were walking around the playground and went down the slide together. I think we have a lady's man on our hands! Too bad I didn't have the camera.

This weekend will be very hectic so I am trying to keep the week low key. On Saturday Mike and I have to go to Lakeville for my cousin Katti's wedding. It is about an hour and a half from here and the wedding is at 4:30. A little too far and too late to bring Colby. So, Colby will stay with my dad and my nephews Alex and Max. My mom and my sister Karin are going to the wedding with us. Although I am happy for my cousin, I am not looking forward to this. The longest Colby was away from us is 4 hours and afterward he was not a happy boy to be around. Mike's parents watched him while Mike and I went to dinner. They picked him up at 4 and came back at 8, for bedtime. We weren't home yet and I think that upset Colby a lot. He was clingy and fussy for two days afterward not letting me or Mike out of his sight. I am especially worried because this will be just after nap time and past bedtime. I don't know how he will react to going to bed somewhere other than home and without us. Good luck Dad! Hopefully with the boys around Colby will be too excited to worry about us.

On Sunday I have a baby shower to go to. Mike's brother David and his wife Jocelyn are expecting a baby girl at the end of July. My first niece! Mike's mom and I will go to the baby shower and all the guys will spend the day together, along with a family friend and his 3 grandchildren. Hopefully Colby will be in a good mood. The shower is for brunch at 11:30. I'm not sure what we will do in the afternoon. My mom and dad are heading to the Grand Canyon in their motorhome on Sunday so I won't be able to see my dad for Father's Day. But I bet Mike is really looking forward to some quality first Father's Day time with Colby.

In other news: My friend Jill and her husband Nick have been reunited with their son Nicholas in Ekat! They left on Saturday and I am so happy for them. She sent a photo and he is such a cutie! I can't wait until they come home and Nicholas and Colby can play together. Also, another friend Sharon and her husband Patrick leave for Russia today for their first trip. They will get to see their son for the first time in Bryansk. Safe travels and I can't wait to see photos of your little guy! Hopefully the three boys become fast friends. I know I love spending time with their mommies!

And: just a cute photo because I can never resist!

A Great Visit and Photos as Promised

Yesterday, Colby and I went to lunch with some new friends. We went to Applebee's with Sharon and Jill, our fellow WHFC friends. Jill and her husband are on their way tomorrow to get their son Nicholas from Yekaterinburg, Russia. They were actually on their first trip there when Mike and I went to pick up Colby in January. We were hoping to get together then but Mike and I stayed in Kamensk instead on Yekaterinburg for our first 5 days and then they were home. We are so excited for them to be bringing Nicholas home! Sharon and her husband are on their way to Bryansk, Russia for their first trip to see their child. We aren't sure whether it is a boy or girl or the age yet. What excitement! We had a wonderful lunch and I am hoping that we will become great friends. I can't wait for all our kids to be together.

And as promised, here are a few photos from last weekend's trip to Lake Warmaug. Colby loved the water and even enjoyed having me dunk him under. I can't wait to bring him to Lake Winnepasaukee in New Hampshire over 4th of July. Then we'll all go in and have Colby go swimming. I was also able to take a quick video with Mike's Mom's camera. Hope you enjoy!

Good luck Jill and Sharon. Safe travels and keep us posted. We can't wait to see the photos!

Busy!

We have certainly been busy around here. Thankfully the weather has improved and it finally feels like Spring, early summer. On Saturday we went with Mike's parents to Lake Warmaug for a late afternoon picnic. They have a nice public picnic area as well as a camp ground. We brought Mike's Dad's two kayaks that he built. Colby wore his swimsuit for the first time and enjoyed playing in the water. It was a little cold but I waded in with him. He enjoyed being a "motorboat" as I splashed with him in the water and I was able to dunk him under a couple times. He loved that! He also enjoyed playing in the sand with the water/sand toys my brother Keith gave him. Unfortunately, in packing for the day, I forgot to pack the camera. We did get a few pics with Mike's Mom's camera but I need to borrow it to get the photos. I was even able to take 2 short clips of Mike and Colby in one of the kayaks. Colby loved that too but then decided he was "All Done" and tried to get out and almost tipped the kayak over. We will have to work on that and see how he likes our canoe.

On Sunday we went to my parents to celebrate family birthdays. It was my dad's and my nephew Keith's birthdays. Keith is also 2, my dad isn't! My brother Keith, little Keith, Kristing, Steve, Teddy, my parents, and us were there. Unfortunately my other sister and brother and their families couldn't make it. After lunch, I think the busy weekend got the better of Colby and he wanted to take a nap so I put him down. I was surprised at how easily he fell asleep somewhere different. We hadn't tried that before. After a nap, we put the sprinkler on for the boys. The water was so cold! Keith didn't like it much but Colby loved splashing everyone. After the party, Mike went to help Keith fix a friend's roof so I brought Colby home. It certainly was a tiring but fun weekend. I promise to post pics of Lake Warmaug soon, but here are a couple from my parents' house.

My brother Keith and his son Keith opening up presents.
My dad and Keith blowing out their candles.

Mike and Colby in the sprinkler.

"How does this thing work?"

And this baby bunny spent Sunday in front of our house. Colby loves looking at it. It seemed scared and wouldn't move all day. It is now gone, I just hope it's Momma is around to help it. Colby woke up this morning asking for the "bunnay".

Wanted

Mom looking for other moms with children ages 2+, (adopted or not)
To come together to form a play group
Meet 1-2 times a week
Our house, yours, or wherever
Waterbury, CT area
To build friendships both young and old and foster socialization skills

Both Mike and I have noticed that Colby LOVES playing with other children. We think he really misses the companionship of the other children in the baby home. I have also noticed how I miss adult conversations. Colby and I love going to parks and having picnic lunches but we haven't met any other kids, or moms, yet. If interested, please leave a comment or email me.