The passing of time

A year ago we arrived, early in the morning, in Krasnoyarsk. We had last been there on November 24th, in the early morning, almost exactly 4 months earlier. We had last seen Aidan on November 23rd. . .he had been so cute. Shy, but still playful. We were encouraged that he actually opened up some to Pat on the first day. He was a big boy, but still so little!







By the second day, we were so in love!







And then, we had a 4 month enforced separation. When we arrived at the orphanage on March 24th, to see our son again after 4 months, we had sweaty palms; our hearts were beating fast; Would he remember us???; Would he like us???; Would he attach to us???

We arrived and were taken to the same Music Room as before. We had our plastic booties on over our shoes; we had our treats and toys; we were hot; we felt nauseous. There were several other children whom I kept looking at to see if they were Aidan. I knew he had changed. And then the door opened. The caretaker walked in, holding the hand of a little boy. He looked up. My heart caught in my throat. There was my baby!!! Look how he'd grown!! And, then, I saw a look of recognition pass in his eyes when he saw me. I opened my arms and knelt on the floor. He started to cry, but walked over to me, turned arond and backed up and sat down on my lap. I had my son in my arms again! My God! Thank YOU!



He was bit bigger and he had matured in his facial expressions, and he was a bit more withdrawn. He didn't want to engage right away, but he was still my baby boy.



When we had to be wrenched away, we began the nauseating process of preparing for Court. . .more on that next time.

But, for now, just look at how much my little dudely has changed since that day a year ago! What a difference a year makes!



So, about the shirt. . .I found it at Gymboree and had to have it! When we're driving down the road, we'll come to a red light and traffic and we'll stop ( of course). Aidan says, " Go Mama!" But, the light is red, Aidan. " Oh." Then the light turns green, " Go Green! Mama!" But, there are cars stopped in front of us. " Go, Mama!" sigh. Back street drivers!

Quick Weight Watchers update: I haven't been in weeks! I am still down my abot 4 pounds with only about 3 pounds to go, but I just can't seem to get there with Pat's work schedule and all. . .I can't really go with Aidan. . .But, I am still watching, counting my points and I have lost a lot of inches--my pants are longer! I reached 4 miles on my daily run last Thursday for the first time since before we went to Russia last year (it only took a year to get back there!) and I was up to 4.10 this morning. I think I'll be okay, but I'll keep working at it.