Like it's been forever

9 days home. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post. I'm guessing by now some of you may have been thinking that we were a wreck. That would only be true to the extent that Natalia and I were sick. Poor little thing, Natalia had a visit to the ER on her third night home for an ear infection. Otherwise, it has been so good; so good that it feels like we've been together forever. Natalia settled in so well.

She continues to sleep well, sleeping in her crib in her own room for both nap time and bed time. Before both we rock and read a story. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, Natalia or whichever of us gets a turn. During our time in Russia, especially before springing her from the baby house, I thought it was going to take some time before Natalia sought our physical attention. Not so. Giving kisses, which is more of offering up a cheek. Cuddling in the rocking chair while keeping eye contact as long as I do. Asking to be picked up, including saying "up pweez" as of yesterday. And, as of a couple days ago, giving great big hugs.

The cat is also the recipient of some of this amorous attention. The breakthrough occurred on Sunday morning. Over the subsequent days Natalia went from chasing Ruby around the house, as if to scold her, to laying the cat across her lap to "gently" pet her. Since Ruby has been known to bite a person for standing in front of her favorite heat vent, her patience with Natalia is a welcome surprise. I'm sure there are moments when Ruby would be pleased to return to the locked corridor of the basement.

Communicating with Natalia has been very easy. She understands most everything we say. No, she doesn't understand the meaning of each word, but she gets the gist of the message. That being said, it's amazing how many words she does know. She is also starting to speak English words. Papa was as proud as can be when Natalia, on her second day home, spoke her first English word: please. By now, she's got the usage down. When she wants something, she says "pweez". A few days ago, that word was combined with "up" to change the request to be picked up from a couple of "ugh-ugh"s to an actual phrase. She says "Bubba" a lot. We have a dog named Bubba to whom she was introduced through photographs (along with our other pets). However, Natalia may think that Bubba means animal because she says "bubba" when she sees most any kind of animal.

She's working on "thank you", but the pronunciation isn't quite there yet. Even so, she recognizes the appropriate time to use it. Sydney taught her "I love you" yesterday. Natalia was confused with the "I" having learned where her "eye" is. Sydney said Natalia kept pointing to her eye when she was trying to teach her. Today she learned to say "monkey" simply because there was a monkey on her shirt. There are other words too, and more that I know will be added each day. The cutest part is how she looks when she is trying to say a word in English (this doesn't occur when she speaks in Russian). She blinks her eyes and nods her head; she looks like a little genie. Man, it's cute!

As mentioned, Natalia knows where her eyes are. This comes from a favorite game of hers, one she started the first night we were together in Vladivostok. When I'm holding her, she likes to point to parts of my face and then point to the same on hers, while I name them by their owner. "Mama's nose; Natalia's nose". "Mama's cheek; Natalia's cheek". I knew of this method to create eye contact which helps to promote attachment. Never though did I imagine that Natalia would be the one to initiate it. It's almost like we can see God's hand, continuing to take care us during this very amazing time in each of our lives.

Like I said, it feels like it's been forever. And you know why? Because it just feels so normal. Man, do I love it.

And now some pix . . .

Natalia's first self portrait, taken in the gym room at her baby house.



This photo was taken for Natalia's passport. We are perfectly aware that it looks like a really, really bad (ala Lohan) mugshot. Like I said, she is a changed little soul.




At the Vlad airport. Let's blow this popstand.



From orphan to iPhone . . .



We call it "funny face" . . .




"I have a sister!!!", said Natalia - and Sydney - with delight.




Family of 4!




First holiday photo opp, at the Moscow airport . . .




Ruby is definitely on Santa's "nice list" this year . . .



Like it's been forever . . .




Love,
Cameo


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