Just Thinking

 Today I was sitting on the couch thinking about Russia and our time there and Bryant crawled up in my lap. I pulled up some videos I took at the orphanage. He loves to watch himself on the computer as he says "baby baby" over and over. One of the videos had his orphanage caretaker Nina bringing him to us on our second trip after our court date. Nina is my sweet angel who took care of my baby while he waited for his mommy and daddy to come get him. Bryant pointed at  Nina and just stared in amazement. He recognized her voice and face. Then he leaned in to the screen and kissed her. It brought tears to my eyes.  How lucky to have someone care for him and show him love. Bryant is a caring, empathetic and very loving child. I do believe these qualities are in part learned behaviors so I am very grateful for the love shown to him by Nina.

 Another funny thing, he loves dogs and for the past few weeks has been pointing to them saying "ka ka." It is very specific to dogs. I was so confused because he can say other words that start with a "d." Talked to his speech therapist and she agreed kind of odd. Then Jeff and I looked up the Russian word for dog, which is pronounced "sabaka" with an emphasis on the ending ka sound. We figured he is using the Russian word for dog or his version of it. Smart little thing. Very surprised he remembered this.

 The other day I thought about the first time I saw Bryant's face. An email that Jeff and I  almost didn't open after a heartbreaking loss of a referral. This picture will be ingrained in my head forever, the look in his eyes, the smile on his face and his crazy hair. From this picture I could see some serious personality and he has proved me right.  I remember looking at those eyes and seeing my future child. One look and I just knew he was mine. I have never posted his referral pictures. These are the pictures that were on the Russian database of adoptable children. We think he is around 10 or 11 months old when they were taken. These are the only pictures, other than a few Nina took for us, that we have of Bryant as a baby. I treasure them.

 Please keep our Moscow friends in your prayers as they are having some health struggles. We think about them daily. Also we are praying for the survivors and families of the victims of today's plane crash in Russia, such a tragedy.

Hope you have a Happy Easter. We are excited for Bryant's first Easter home.

Referral Picture #1  Serious face.
with his crazy hair!

Referral Picture # 2  Smiley face.

Our second day with Bryant at the orphanage. 11 months old 

You can see him showing off- lots of personality!

Second trip to Russia November 25, 2011

Nina bringing Byant to us after a successful court date.

As they walked down the hall I remember thinking - he is really mine!

Nina is telling him "mama and papa" and pointing to us