Wednesday, July 15, 2009

It All Happened So Fast

Once we got to the region, everything proceeded at lightening speed. Not only did we unload everything at our apartment and freshen up, and stop by the inspector's office and notary, but we also went to the orphanage around 8:00 in the morning to see Alosha------ all before I really had a chance to catch my breath.

But, I would not have wanted it any other way.

As we sat in the director's office and heard them explain exactly what Alosha can and cannot do, John saw out of the corner of his eye, that they were bringing in our son.

All night I had envisioned how our first meeting would be--- and here he was right before our eyes! John got to him first as I followed closely behind. Alosha seemed a bit bewildered, but he immediately let us hold him.

It was so nice to finally hold him in my arms---- here I had pictured an underweight and fragile little boy in my head and he is anything but.

I expected this petite and gentle little boy, but was pleasantly surprised by his amazing upper body strength and almost chunky like figure. For the most part--- Alosha is one solid boy! Praise the Lord!

He loved the photo album we brought him---- but the "little machinas" were the biggest hit! John spent no time getting down on the floor with him to race cars across the smooth surface. With every crashing sound Alosha followed with a huge smile----- the gentle reminder of what made me fall for him in the first place.


It took me a moment getting used to holding him kind of like how I feel when a newborn is put into my arms. Alosha's legs are smaller than his trunk from lack of muscle and they do not naturally spread apart to wrap around my hips. He quickly found just the right spot in my arms--- problem solved. He made eye contact with me quite a few times, but I am sure he wondered why I kept kissing his cheek and tickling his belly. Oh well, he better get used to it.

After about ten minutes, we took Alosha in to meet Julia and Dennis. Immediately Julia and Alosha hit it off as did the two boys, but you can tell Dennis thought he was the bigger brother at first. It was sweet to see how Alosha just went with the flow---- he let Dennis push him in the swing, yet Alosha quickly gave Dennis a toy car when Dennis cried for one. The two of them were exactly how we imagined they would be and it was nice watching them interact with each other. Alosha was so patient with Dennis who was running on empty from lack of a good nights sleep on the train---- I have no doubt they are going to be like two peas in a pod.

Alosha loved being pushed in the swing--- good thing because Dennis loved pushing Alosha in the swing.

Alosha can sure throw a ball-- we had a hard time keeping up with throwing the balls back into the ball pit.

We visited for a while longer and then went to the notary to sign adoption documents. Our facilitator is shooting for court early next week--- so please pray.

Everyone in the orphanage was thrilled to see Dennis. He was quite a polite and responsive little boy shaking their hands and all-- but one time he stood up and turned his little chair around when one woman walked in to say hi to us. It was so cute and all of the caretakers got a good laugh out of his sense of humor. And yes, he gave this lady a hug. Dennis did not act out in any strange way---- and he is now sleeping soundly beside me. He is truly the best two year old traveler I have ever saw!
Here is a picture of Dennis with all of his previous caretakers. It is amazing to see how he is still loved!

66 comments:

Martha said...

I have to say I really love the photo of Dennis with his previous caretakers. So sweet, and so awesome that you were able to take him back. I bet they are thrilled!

And Alexsey, he is a cutie. It will take some time for him to adjust but he has a wonderful family waiting for him and plenty of encouragement to live beyond his potential.

God sure is good! You're in our prayers.

Amanda said...

Alexsey is so cute!! I'm glad everything is going well so far, and that Dennis is doing so well traveling.

Jenn said...

Oh my goodness!! SOOO precious! I love the photo of you and Alosha together! I really think he has your eyes. :) The photo of you pushing him in the swing made the tears flow. Such a big beautiful grin on his face. I am so happy to see him in your arms at long last!!!

Love and prayers,
Jenn

Martha said...

I had to back to the Ukraine Train and look again at the good bye picture of Dennis with the pretty blond caretaker. She looked so sad in last year's picture. The new photo puts everything right again. Here she is looking genuinely happy. I like that. (So why does it make me want to cry?)

Carol G said...

Christine, "Thrilled" cannot come near to how I felt while reading about Alosha! "Ecstatic" comes closer! What a great day this is!

I'm glad that he and Dennis are interacting so well. I think it's a good idea that Dennis feels like the big brother right now. It may be just what Alosha needs with someone in his peer group who can show him the ropes!

I'm so glad that you and John brought Julia and Dennis with you. He will have 2 special siblings who can introduce him to the rest of his brothers and sisters.

And speaking of Julia, from her photo she is tying a record for the worst foot cut I've ever seen. Poor thing. I hope it heals quickly!

sylsumida said...

Just beautiful....made me cry and smile at once!

MoonDog said...

tears. many tears. so wonderful for them to see how beautiful Dennis is but also to see you all finally there with your newest little boy. waiting is so hard! I am having a very hard time with waiting. cant wait to see more pics!

Anonymous said...

so happy for you! i know what you mean about finding the right way to hold them when there are extremity issues. we had the same issue with our aiden when we picked him up in korea except he has spastic diplegia cp and was very stiff. so happy he found just that right spot! and that he is finally coming home....

Anonymous said...

At last! I am so happy for all of you, but especially Alexsey. You are giving him a future, a family, and all the love he will ever need. I hope he is back with you soon.

Jodi Lewandoski
St.Michael,MN

Anonymous said...

OMG!
I am so glad that everything is doing great and that all of you are haveing a good time. I am so exited that Alexy is coming home and it is so existing that he and Dennis are getting along!!! I miss you all ancant wait for you to come home!!!!!!!!!
your daughter,
Annalyn

Unknown said...

I was reading back on this blog and was thinking about your reply to the question he'd one day might as about why you left him there a year ago, and I truly believe HaShem was in charge of that as well. Just for the caregivers to see Dennis it is really a miracle that wouldn't have happened if you took both boys home at the same time.

I hope the transition for Alosha will be as smooth as it was for Dennis. Do you think they might remember each other? Toddlers always amaze me with what they can remember from a long time ago!

amyl4 said...

Awww, he's a sweetie! Christine, Alexsey really resembles you in the picture of you and him! It looks like Dennis had a lot of fun today too! I'm happy that his previous caregivers got to see him!
Amy

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

This is a beautiful representation of your first meeting. Slava Bogu!!! Wishing you the fastest court possible. Hello Alosha.

Milena said...

So precious! I'm thrilled that everything's so positive! Just beautiful!

And it IS amazing how much Alosha looks like Christine!!

Amy...who wanted 4. said...

I had to click on every picture to examine it close up!!
What an awesome day!
You write in great detail which makes me feel like I am experiencing it too!
I will keep your sweet family in my prayers.
Amy

Lydia said...

Oh wonderful wonderful day! I cried when reading this! Alosha looks amazing and he looks STRONG and healthy!!!! I am so glad you took Dennis- how wonderful for his previous caretakers to see him!!! I am so very thrilled for you!

Terri-Anne said...

Hurray! How thrilling for all of you! I'm soooooo happy for the bright future Alexsey has to look forward to now!
I have to admit I'm very relieved that Dennis is taking everything in stride. Just goes to show how absolutely thoroughly he trusts in your love for him, I suppose ;o)
Thanks so much for sharing a glimpse of this wonderful time in your life!

Christi said...

This is all so breath-taking. I am amazed and excited at how quickly God has brought all of this to pass. Alosha and Dennis look like they'll be the best of friends soon. Praying for safe travel and continued blessings during the rest of your travels.

Christi

Laurel said...

I'm so glad the day went well and was productive! We'll be praying for that quick court date next week. Thanks for all the photos!!!

Missy said...

How wonderful!! Sounds like everything is going so smoothly! I'll bet the caregivers were so glad to see Dennis - I'm sure they don't get the opportunity to see one of "their" children after a time in America!

One Crowded House said...

what an amazing day!!! thank you for sharing it with us!

Connie said...

Yay!! I finally managed to fix my browser ..yea... I was trying to customize things and it's been hosed for the last couple days, BUT, I got it fixed just in time to be able to see the photos!!!

So good to see all of you together! (FINALLY!) The boys playing together is so cute, and Julia is such an awesome big sister! Hugs and love to you all!

Julie said...

He is just too cute! How wonderful to see Dennis with all of his old caretakers!

Tracie said...

Praying for a quick court date for you guys! Thanks for the great updates!

Unknown said...

Dennis looks SO handsome in that last picture and sounds so grown up. I am forgetting - is he older or younger than Aleksey/Alosha (what are you going to call him?) I'm thinking Dennis is younger... not sure I"m right.

Well this makes me feel like we were there yesterday, I recognize everything and everybody in every picture, all so fondly too :) :) Love that things are moving for you all! We found the social worker in that region to be very nice, too. And tell Dima hi if you're staying with him!!

Molly said...

Oh Christine he is beautiful! Just like in his previous photos. You two have the same color eyes. I bet he will be an amazing big brother.

Carson's Mom said...

The pictures are great! Alexey is so cute and does look bigger than I expected. How wonderful for the caretakers to see how well Dennis is doing and see how children will do with the love of a family. Keep the pictures coming.

Kayla

Shari said...

He is adorable! I have tears flowing knowing that this little boy will be so loved by your precious family! Thank you for sharing this!

MtnGirl said...

How fun to hear about your trip. I've been waiting to hear about the Alexsey meeting! How soon could you be bringing him home?

Amy said...

I'm having so much fun following your blog! These pictures are priceless... you are so blessed. :)

Praying for a smooth continued process.

Anonymous said...

He looks so much like you Christine..... same coloring!

Precious!!

Julie said...

This post made me cry. How wonderful you are finally holding your little boy!

Michelle said...

FINALLY!!!

how wonderful. :-D

does he know why you are there yet? has this been explained to him as best it can be explained to a child his age?

how exciting! i can't wait to keep following along! keep up the pictures, too - love 'em!

praying,
michelle

Jenny said...

Christine, I am crying so much that I am having a hard time writing this. I am so so happy for you. I am sending you a big () hug right now. Congratulations. Praying you will have court soon.

Anonymous said...

who is alosha?

Mary said...

Oh Aleksey!

He is so beautiful! So happy looking, and he seems to fit into your family perfectly. He and Dennis already look like best friends.

I'm tearing up reading this. I'm so glad you're with your boy.

Bless,

Mary

Tami said...

What an awesome meeting! I can only imagine what must be going through that little guys mind. Oh, the wonderful doors that are about to open for him!
The pictures of Dennis with his caretakers is just precious! :)

Anonymous said...

So many tears of joy for you! I remember so perfectly the day our boys were brought into that very room to meet them for the first time 2 1/2 years ago. It's such a happy room. Just think of how many parents have held their children for the first time right there...amazing! God is great!!!
I also had an "Ah-huh" when you talked about Aleksey not wrapping his legs around you. Our Alex had very weak legs and was the same way. We had to remember to move them out from under us when we sat down with him. Would never guess that now!
Enjoy your time there and we'll pray that everything moves along smoothly for you.
God Bless,
Chris, Crystal, Anthony (Vlad) & Alexander (Sasha) Leighton

Cara and Doug said...

So glad to hear things are going smoothly! Love the pictures! I know just what you mean about those skinny legs. I remember when we first met Hannah, carrying her on my hip was a challenge b/c of her tone. No problem now! Amazing what a little time and love can do for a kiddo!

Chelley said...

IT was so great to come and check this post from you all!!!

It is really amazing to see how god has bought you all together!!!

Sara said...

What a happy day!! So neat! How amazing that the caretakers could see Dennis again...they were probably like "Wowzie, look at this handsome-filled out fellow!" I loved how he turned his chair around...what a stinker/comedian. I bet they just LOVED to see him again. And Alexsey...looks so precious and sweet. What beautiful eyes..it's almost like he's flickering his eyes, they just sparkle...in a flirtatious-shy kind of way. And his hair looks so much darker than past pictures...Looks like he and Dennis are enjoying each other's company. Before long, Dennis will be showing Alexsey how to load and unload your pantry..telling him "now mommy likes this here and this goes over here."

How neat that Julia got to experience this most special day.

Sally-Girl! said...

What a great meeting!!!! He looks so sweet!! Dennis is adorable!! And Julia is darling in the picture with her new brother. She will remember this day for the rest of her life!

Good luck and I will continue praying for your appts and travels while away from family.

Terri-Anne said...

PS My eleven year old daughter and I think Alexsey looks so much like you in the picture of you with him in your arms that he could easily pass as your biological son!

Karen said...

This is amazing and wonderful and I cannot believe how much he looks like you Christine...... I can't wait to see him home with all his siblings.. you are going to have some great helpers :)

Tina in CT said...

Did Dennis and Alexsey recognize each other?

What did the caretakers think of Dennis and how he's grown, fattened up and blossomed?

The playroom at the orphanage looks very nice, modern and with good toys for the children.

Q said...

Wow. He looks great. Will you be able to see him again before you leave? Does he know what is about to happen?

And I looked back at your Ukraine Train blog and the picture of the blonde lady saying goodbye to Dennis. Denis has really grown and thrived! I am excited to see how Alosha will do!

Holly said...

Okay, is it weird to say he looks just like you? Uncanny!
And I thought his name was Alexsey?
Is it Alosha Alexsey?
Sorry- I'm confused!
I am thrilled to pieces to see he is with you at long last!!
I'm sure it was fantastic for the orphanage workers to see Dennis again...my how he's blossomed and grown since they last saw him!
Blessings of health and favor to you!

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

This is such a touching post. Thank you for sharing your journey...I love following along. All of the pictures are incredible and the people in them are even better! So happy for you all. May God continue to bless the rest of your journey.

Kristine

thedickinsonfamily said...

What a precious reunion. I am thrilled that he is in your arms Today, not a moment too soon. You are making some wonderful memories. I am so glad 2 of your children were able to join you. It made ALL the difference having Taylor and Tanner with us. I am praying God speed for your court date. Thanks for the great updates, keep 'em coming.
Blessings,
Meghan

Carmencita said...

OOOOOOOOHHHH!!Cristina que bonito Alexis,que alegria veros juntos por fin a todos....Ahora solo queda que llegue el dia de iros a casa y reuniros con todos los niños.Que cara de felicidad teneis.Muchos besos para todos.
Carmencita,Miguel Angel y Olga.

living4him5 said...

I'm without words...He's precious! Well, all your kiddos are too sweet!!! He's a Reed!

Lifting you all in prayer!
Amy

Joni said...

I'm so excited that you've meet your little 'Alosha', and soooo happy you put pictures on here! Do you know what? He looks like he could have been born to you guys!!! Thanks so much for keeping your blog updated!

Mike and Gail said...

Precious.

Jenn VH said...

Just as other commenters have already said, I can't believe the resemblance between Christine and Alosha!! How amazing is that! It was so wonderful to see so many pictures of your day! Keep them coming!!
~Jenn :0)

Jenn VH said...

Just as other commenters have already said, I can't believe the resemblance between Christine and Alosha!! How amazing is that! It was so wonderful to see so many pictures of your day! Keep them coming!!
~Jenn :0)

Tia said...

I know how long you've been waiting for this day- how wonderful to see it cons at last. ThNk you for sharing it with us.

Lynn said...

Hi

We adopted from Antoshka and live in Israel - if we can be of assistance please let us know.

Take care
Lynn
kolberlm@netvision.net.il

Rachael said...

He is a very darling little boy. Glad everything went well this first day together.

Troy and Rachel said...

So sweet!! So glad you are reunited with your newest son and that picture of Dennis with his caretakers is a wonderful photo!

Stephanie said...

Awww he's beautiful! I can't believe how much bigger Dennis looks compared to Alosha. By the way, have you guys decided what you are going to call him?

Sarah said...

:-D :-D :-D I can't stop smiling! Awesome post. Court next week seems like a long time to have to wait ...pigpigpigpigpigpigpigpig! But all in God's time, right? He is good, all the time!

Barry Vaughn said...

Hi Krisine - We've been following your journey and praying for you. What struck me in this was something similar to our story. When our little David first came to the orphanage at 3 years old the only word he could speak was "machina". Just like Alosha, he really liked cars and and motor vehicle from the start. It's fun seeing your experiences - the Ukraine reminds us so much of Latvia. Very similar.

It's really cool that Dennis' former caregivers got to see him again. I think that's really important to leave that open for both the caregivers and for Dennis (or other adopted little ones). Our kids had their mama Alyona as their caregiver and she came to visit us last November. The adoptive family of another set of siblings she'd cared for shut her out of their lives after the adoption. They even returned gifts and correspondence. The people who care for the orphans before folks like us adopt them are so important in the kid's lives I can't imagine shutting them out.

Anyway, hope things continue smoothly. We'll continue to keep you in our prayers.

Take care,
Barry Vaughn

Barry Vaughn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Barry Vaughn said...

Sorry, I meant Christine. I misspelled out of habit as one of our dear friends in Latvia is Kristine. Had to laugh at myself over that one.

Annie said...

Quite surprising, but I think Aleksey looks more like you than any of your children... What a doll. And the photo of Dennis with his caretakers is just such a reminder of how big, strong and handsome he has become. An advertisement for adoption!

Laura said...

My heart is just so touched by your descriptions of seeing Alexsey again.

Many blessings to you and your family as your trip continues...and your family expands in such a wonderful way!

~Laura