Jason and I just completed our 25th visit with Malachi. Today was one of those days when we loved every minute we were with him...yesterday, LOVE might be too strong of a word:) He seems to be doing well with us and definitely more comfortable. He has added "ball", "cookie", and "eyes" to his English words. Jason and I continue to call him Artyom. So much is changing for him, that we have held off on calling him by his new name. His caregivers always call us "mama" and "papa", but I have been trying to get him to call me "mommy". The kids call the caregivers "mama" so, "mommy" would be a little more special for me. Malachi continues to stack and unstack chairs. Today he arranged them all in a row. He loves for Jason and I to blow up balloons and then he wants them (before they're tied off) so, he can let them go and see them race around the room. Today was the first day he really showed an interest in cars. He was pushing them all over the floor and loved watching them go. It is challenging to communicate with Malachi. I think most of the time, we understand what he wants and needs, but it is hard on him not to understand us. His eyes really light up when someone talks to him in Russian... so, if any of you out there know some Russian, we could use your help! Today he actually kissed us with some prompting. What a sweet day it will be when he gives us an unsolicited kiss:)
As for Jason and I, we are trying to enjoy this time. Yesterday, we took a tour of one of the universities in Tomsk (there are 6). As much as we want to be home, we know that we will not have another time like this for quite awhile. We have hours on end to watch movies, read (me), play computer games (Jason), and do word games. We got excited to hear that our representative got the court decree signed early, translated, and notarized (don't you know EVERYTHING has to be notarized!) This was supposed to happen Monday so, early is always good. She is also working on Malachi's passport. Come to find out, we could have possibly needed a passport that takes 30 days to get!! Luckily, she was able to get them to accept an older type passport, taking 3-5 days. So, although we were excited to hear of the early paper signing... it may not change our schedule too much. On Monday, we will find out if our flight to Moscow will need to be adjusted. We are hoping that it does! Meanwhile, we prepare for our next visit to the baby house, deciding what we will teach Malachi next:)
Hi looks so grown up in his white shirt. All his pics show his eyes so big, bright & asking. Each moment with him is a new experience. Before you know it, you'll be home and he will be immersed in a new and wonderful life...just a little "bite" at a time. We have made reservations for Calif. on Feb 5th for a week. Anxiously await hugs from, the 3 of you. Love you much!
ReplyDeleteI can't stop looking at this cute little face! We are praying that your dates change to earlier but we are very thankful that you didn't find out you have to wait 30 days for a passport!
ReplyDeleteWe love you and miss you so much!
Oh, how precious... I'm glad you guys are taking time for yourselves too... Hang in there! You're closer now than you were yesterday! :) With all our prayers and love,
ReplyDeleteTara (for Eric and Belén, too!)
He is such an angel! I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading each update and look forward to seeing new pictures of that sweet sweet face. Hang in there and remember that each day spent in Russia brings you one day closer to bringing your son home for good. I'm keeping the three of you in my prayers and looking forward to meeting Malachi one day. Hugs, Justice.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the chair stacking training! Although he might miss the majority of opportunity to stack and unstack during the busy holiday season...we'll come up with some special events that require it just for him. Like a men's spring training tea or something like that...I'm just tossing out ideas...don't judge. We love you guys...and miss you...
ReplyDeleteThe VanHorns (man it is unseasonally warm here.)