We were able to see Artem again today at the baby home even though we were only able to see him for 45 minutes; the 2.5 hour drive to get there was worth it. This time we saw him before lunch and naptime. One of his caregivers brought him to us and he did not want to let go of her. Every time she tried to put him down he would cry. Even though it saddens me to see him cry, I know it is a good sign that he is so attached to his caregivers. Randy and I have wondered how the caregivers in the baby home feel about Americans adopting their children but today when the caregiver was trying to soothe Artem she would point to me and say something in Russian followed with “mama” and then point to Randy and say something in Russian and then we’d hear “papa”. Mama and papa are mom and dad in Russian. We made Artem a photo album with pictures of us, our family members, our house, and our dog. The caregiver showed him the album and we could hear her saying, “mama, papa”. We knew after that they were happy for Artem and were trying to help him bond with us. It made us feel really good.
Artem was still very weary of Randy and didn’t want to be held by him but today he interacted with Randy and handed him toys and then babbled at Randy when Randy took the toy from him. Randy handed toys back to him and Artem would take them and play with them. Today was the closest he let Randy get to him. We didn’t get many pictures today but there was a lot more bonding going on with Artem and Randy today and we thought that was more important than having a flashing camera in his face. We also brought bubbles and Randy was blowing bubbles in the air and Artem figured out he could take his hands and pop the bubbles that were falling down on us. We also brought some stacking bowls from Fisher Price. Artem watched Randy stack them one time and he started stacking them the same way. The bowls also snap together to make a ball and Artem figured out he could pull them apart and that would get us to clap for him. He did that several times, each time waiting for us to clap and cheer afterwards.
Our time was soon over as it was lunch time for Artem followed by his nap. The baby home director came in to take him away and as soon as she walked and he saw her, he started crying those big crocodile tears again. She whisked him away and we packed up and drove the 2.5 hours back to Moscow. We received some paperwork from our agency that we would need this week to register with the courts.
Tomorrow we get to see Artem again before lunch. We are hopeful that he will let Randy get even closer to him. The past two days have been spent on my lap when we are there so I see the top and back of his head a lot and tomorrow I’m hoping to see more of his face. Yesterday they had him dressed in pink tights, girls’ sandals and dark green velour lederhosen looking things, with a yellow shirt underneath. Today it was the same outfit but blue tights. As soon as we get back to the states, I will do some shopping to get his wardrobe turned around.
We went out tonight with Rob, Dede, and Liam, Sally and Carlos, and Doug and Kathy. Doug and Kathy are on their last trip and pick up their son Friday. Randy and Carlos are in the same boat with their sons; they won’t have anything to do with them. So the two men were able to entertain Liam and that made them feel better. We are lucky that we have so many other families from our agency here with us to swap stories and pictures with and visit with in the evenings.
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11 comments:
Thanks for sharing your adoption journey with those of us still waiting for a referral. It helps so much to hear the stories and see the pictures. I just wanted to wish you good luck and God's blessings as you bond with Artem. It's got to be hard for the papa's especially in that area- but don't be discouraged. It just takes time. He'll come around someday and see you for the awesome parents that you already are in making this huge leap of faith for him and your new family. Blessings & Peace, Heather
It sounds like Artem is a smart little boy! We also brought the same stacking cubs that can be converted to balls and they were a sucess with Diego! Tell Randy not to worry... Diego didn't cry, but didn't use to smile too much at Mark, but by the third visit, they were buddies!!I am soo happy for you guys!
Sinziana
Artem sounds like a sweetheart! So glad your visits are going well. I agree with everyone - tell Randy not to worry too much. Jaxon looked at Nick like he was a foreigner, but by the 2nd/3rd visit he was totally into his Daddy!
I know it is hard on Randy; we had a similar experience with one of our sons. But I'm sure Artem will come around and will be Daddy's boy in no time. He sounds adorable!
Randy's experience with Artem is very similar to Nathan's with Iliya, on trip one. And I know what you mean about seeing the top & back of his head...during our visits, if the caregivers were not there, Iliya was in my lap. In fact, I have VERY few pictures of N with Iliya during that time. And most of the video is of just me & him, because he wouldn't let me put him down, to take video. It was pitiful.
Sometimes, late at night, I'll look at those pictures & video...and I'll have to resist the urge to go wake Iliya up, just for a hug.
This whole process is just amazing. I'm so happy for y'all!
I am glad things are going so wonderfully for you two!! He sounds like a dream. I hope the bonding goes well tomorrow!!
It's so good to hear that the caregivers are taking good care of them, and encouraging of the adoption. As we're waiting, that helps to put my mind at ease.
It's also good to know that it might take a while for our little one to warm up to his Daddy. We won't be surprised if he is shy at first.
Sounds like things are going very well with Artem. We're so happy for you, Mama and Papa!
It all sounds so wonderful - It's so funny how they really don't care how they dress the boys! I hope Randy gets to hold him tomorrow and you get more pics - stay safe and thanks for keeping us up-to-date.
If you want to get Artem more comfortable with Randy, bring some cheerios or a banana and have Randy feed Artem. Most children at orphanages are very motivated by food, and it may help ease any fears Artem may have.
Like others have said, Artem will accept Randy very soon!
It's so wonderful to read about your journey! Artem is so very lucky to have you two!
It sounds like your visits are going so well! I know you are truly enjoying your time in Moscow. What a wonderful time spent with so many adoptive friends! Best wishes!!
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