Playing Catch-up...

Here I am, two months ago, walking out the orphanage gate with sweet Beast Cub and Princess Kitty.  It's been a crazy two months, but very rewarding and very, very happy. 

We're definitely at a point now where the busy is regular family busy and the adjustment element has faded into the background -- the main thing we're doing is throwing a party a week from tomorrow for our little Beast Cub, who is turning three.  Visions of cupcake toppers haunt my dreams.

I'll be back dating some posts -- so anything between my Moscow layover post and this will be back dated.  I am sorry it's taken so long to get caught up.

Just a Quick Update!

Our visits continue to go well.  I will post photos later of the scenery on the way to the orphanage -- sadly I can't share any of the kids.

Marie and Frankie are both enjoying our visits.  Marie is starting to warm up more and more -- though she prefers Papa Beast to me.  :P

Even so, she still lets me play with her, and she readily hands me things and takes things from me -- and she listens when I tell her "nyet."  She is such a sweet kid -- she takes great care of her friend who is blind, helping her with food and other things around the orphanage.

Little Frankie is such a cheerful child.  We almost never see him without a smile on his face.  He did cry yesterday (Day 3 of visits) when we left.  It's good to know that he likes to see us, but it's hard to see my sweet baby cry. 

We met them!

And they're wonderful kids!

We got to the orphanage and brought gifts for the director, clothing donations, etc.  Then we went outside in the play yard to meet our kids.  They have a really nice play yard, with little patios with play pens for summer-time.

We went outside of the office and three kids walked up with a caregiver, coming back from a walk, I think.  One was our son, and the director called him over.  I got on my hands and knees and called at the same time, and he ran to me, and never let go.  He loves his new teddy bear, with his (birth) named embroidered on it.  He kissed the teddy bear when I asked him to and then kissed me when I asked.  :)  So, so, stinking cute -- I wish I could share the pictures.

We went into one of the play patios and waited for Marie.  She was brought over and seemed very shy but did take her new doll from me and a cookie from Papa.  She would interact a little, but the start to pull back because she is nervous. She seems normal and happy with her caregivers and friends, though, so I think this is just her age and being shy (and being smart -- because she knows something is up).  She did warm up to us a tiny bit as they visit went on, and even offered me some of her candy.  She would also look at her new Papa from the next room while she was eating lunch.  She is definitely curious, but she is also afraid to branch out from where she feels safe. 

Our little ones are both very smart, very quick witted, and obedient.  I hope and pray that our daughter's fears will settle down as she comes to trust us -- but I also know that it is normal for her age to be fearful of strangers.  The fact that she is happy and warm with her caregivers and friends means that she can and does form good relationships -- but it might also mean that she is scared to lose the people, places, and things that are dear to her.