Home 6 Months & first PPR

I am a bad bloggy mom lately. I know, no reason to rationalize it to the rest of you busy moms. Laura, we DID have our first PP report, yaaay! It was a VERY thorough interview (2 hrs) but the report was great and said all the things we already knew about Bodi bear and our new little family.

I feel like I am finally getting down a routine (after 6 mos!) and even getting a little organized. I have been able to spend the better part of the time home with Bodi. He gets less and less clingy every day which is good because I seemed to have developed tendinitis in my wrist from lifting 26 pounds 5,000 times per day. (But my biceps look pretty good :)

Bodi's speech is coming along great, but you can tell he's a bit behind his peers but catching fast. He is blazing through clothing sizes and still eating like a champ. He is really drawn to older men. He'll jump into the arms of any guy that looks like he could be a grandpa and runs from women. Maybe it's because he was around so many women at at the BH and men are a bit of a novelty?

We are soo excited to travel to IL this weekend to see our Russian adoption buddies, the Overstreets! Pics to come.

I am also hapy dancing because I am hearing news of referrals from some of you that we have inspired. I am sending prayers and blessings and GIANT sized hugs!

Sandy

Home 4 months

Ryan and Bodi went to the Red, White and Brave parade this weekend in Colorado Springs. I love this photo of our little patriot. It's crazy to think how different things would be if he had grown up in Russia. I like to think he already has an appreciation for things American.

It simply amazes me how resilient kids can be. Sure we don't know what or if he has any long term ill effects from being orphaned, but he is just the sweetest and easiest little bear. I could tell that there were people around us who put Bodi under the magnifying glass initially and expected a 'difficult' kid, but ironically those same people comment on what a great little boy we have. He is still clingier than most but we are trying to just enjoy it as we know the struggle for independence is just around the corner....

Home 2 Months

Or so.. anyway! I am a terrible blogger now. Hmm, could it be that I am contantly running one-handed operations these days?

Bodi bear is 17 mos and continues to improve and is just about (or maybe a little over;) on target for weight. He has actually turned down a food item or two and occasionally signs 'all done' even before all of the food is gone. Here he is with dada on 1st father's day. (Dada jumped out of a plane!) The best thing is that he has finally started to figure out that hugging feels good and gives random hugs when we least suspect it (although it is mostly done with his head). He has also learned to 'lean in' when being held vs. just using our arms as a place to sit. It is the awesome. He is still clingy, but I think normal clingy, not 'I'm freaking out cause you'll leave me' clingy. He says lots of random words like cheese, Jesus, tiger and bra (zebra) but nothing continuous except doggy, doggy, doggy, doggy, doggy....

As of yesterday, I am back to work and Ryan is Mr. Mom and flying one or two days a week until he finishes seminary, then role reversal when I simultaneously retire from the AF in 2 years . For the last three months I have been soo focused on just keeping Bodi alive, attachment issues, etc that I am just lately realizing that I am completely in love with this boy!

Home 1 Month

Bodi is now 16 mos and is doing great great great. He learns soooooo fast. It's funny how you hear all the stories about how orphans are so delayed and behind cognitively. I submit that when you have to compete for food, attention, and other basic needs, you have to be on your A-game. All of the int'l adoptees that I have met are sharp as tacks.

Medical tests have come back negative so far, although he was carrying Giardia in his system. A few days on meds and he is squeaky clean. This again was something we expected because Heidi warned me about it when Bradyn tested positive. So this is the laundry list for Ussuriysk baby home if you are going there: Scabies, Giardia, and I have heard of two exposures to TB. All curable, but it's nice not to be surprised.

Otherwise, I am getting used to get used to being mommy and have finally been able to settle down to just enjoy the little bear. He has discovered that he can smell. He bends over, sticks his butt out and takes huge whiffs. Usually it is something inanimate like a car or furniture but he still says 'mmmmmmm....' when he is done. Too funny. His only discernable words are mama, dada, and doggie.... and he says doggie ALL day long...

I am trying to decide on when to end our adoption blog. I was thinking perhaps 6 months home- that should give other PAPs a good idea on progression. Ryan and I still think, dream and pray about the other kids we met at the baby home. While in Vlad we decided never ever again Russia. But I have also felt that lately God is telling me that he doesn't want us to be so comfortable. Ryan said he feels the same way. I know there is a reason He had us spend soo much time in the orphanage, and I know we can't deny that the need is incredible......
Thoughts?

Summertime Blessings!
Sandy

Many Firsts

Mother's Day marked one month since Bodi blessed our family. Here's Mama and her Little Bear:
It was also Bodi's first visit to church. Kinda cool how he is reaching to God! (Or maybe just to the cool lights on the ceiling: ) On Thurs we went to our first Dr. appt. We were happy to learn that Bodi's melon is in the 80th%..! He was poked and prodded and made his disapproval quite clear. He has a heart abnormality (supposedly a good abnormality) and will see a cardiologist later in the month. Otherwise lots more testing and immunizations over the next few weeks.

Other firsts were meeting more family and friends, a WalMart and McDonalds visit and even his first cocktail party! He is starting to show a little independence by wondering the house, which means a little independence for Mama -- amen! The question I have been asked most is how Summit and he get along. Bodi thinks Summit is great. Summit is wondering why Bodi's parents haven't picked him up yet...?

Blessings for wherever you are in your process. Is it all worth it? YES YES YES.

Sandy

Dom Sweet Dom

Hi All! We are back in the USA with one proud-to-be-an-American boy. Whoever said the goal for the journey home is to survive sure was right! Bodi slept for about 5 hrs of the 28 hr journey. Believe it or not there was a silver lining to this: He was so exhausted that his body clock was completely reset upon arrivihg home and is now on mountain standard time. Too bad Mama and Dada are not!

Otherwise all is well and Mr. Clingy McClingerson still won't give mama a break. Ah God invented naps for the parents I think, not the babies. : )

Meeting my Grandma True

Getting to know my sebaka, Summit

Pinch me -- I must be dreaming! Are all of our Russian reindeer games really behind us? I've heard that much like biological childbirth, you forget the pain...?

More later! Love, the Trues

Ready to say Paka to Russia

Uh huh, we are still here in Russia! Some issues with our courier but it looks like we will be on our way back to dom sweet dom either Fri or Sat. What have we been doing with our time? Mostly parenting a handful of a little bear : ) and socializing with other families where we make fun of all things Russian, especially adoption (sorry this process and country are getting to us after 24 days). We also took a few trips to downtown Vladivostok.

Waterfront-Downtown Vladivostok

Bodi is such a cute little bear and is doing very well, thank you for your comments and emails. He has exhibited some typical PI behaviors over the last few weeks. Some have already completely diasappeared, and some linger but continue to improve. Food is the biggest issue. He is at least become more relaxed at the dinner table, although he makes his disapproval evident when we are finished. We are working to show him that the food will keep coming and coming and coming, but I think Summit Dog is going to have some competition for scraps around the dinner table. Otherwise he's still attached to mama ALL of the time. Ryan and I have agreed not to set any type of boundaries (or ask for any space) until we are settled back home.

Today our new buddies The Overstreets left and are making their way to Moscow as we speak. Even though Ryan and I have pouted all afteronon about their leaving, we are so happy for them and thankful that God hooked us up BIGTIME by putting this awesome family into our lives. Their little guy, Blake is 3 1/2 and even though he speaks only Russian, you can tell he is quite a character! Yesterday he was being examined by a Russian Dr. and he told her, 'OK, gotta go, I got stuff to do'. Jennifer also became Mama to little Victoria this week. She is so sweet and 100% girly girl. Here is a photo of our gang:

Vlad Inn Families 29 Apr 09

A great part about staying here is watching brand new families walk through the front door. Our group has managed to make it very ceremonious. God's grace is a huge present, and I soooo enjoy watching these children unwrap it, and seeing their lives changed forever by it.

FYI: I have succeeded in being chastised by Russians at least one time per day regarding how Bodi is dressed. For those not familiar, Russians not only dress their kids EXTREMELY warm (we're talking snowsuits on 70 deg days) they also dress themselves very warm. One warm day I told Anna (translator) that I think Ryan is the only guy in Russia w/out a coat on. She said, 'I know, I wouldn't dare..!!' So I deduct that they think that a chill will cause you to catch pneumonia. The interesting part is that anyone can approach any parent and chastise them and tell them how to dress their kid. A guy even drove past me the other day and then stopped, reversed, stopped, rolled down his window and gestured and told me to put a hat on Bodi. (It was about 70 deg and Bodi was in the backpack burning a hole in my back). I usually just say, 'yep, thanks, move it along!' It's kind of fun when they don't understand your language! AND, as Amy would say, 'why don't you talk to me when you start using carseats'?

I think my biggest lesson learned from this trip is drugs drugs drugs. Russian medical care is at least 30 years behind ours. If you are coming to Russia make sure you bring a medical kit with everything, I mean EVERYTHING-especially antiobiotics for your whole family. We have heard some crazy stories about/from Doctors. When Bodi went to the Dr. last week (after two weeks of basically fixing him) I was told that because he is blonde he has skin allergies and (again) not to feed him anything red or orange, and oh yeah, that he MUST be circumcized... huh?

Well, that's it from Russia. Hope to post from the USA next!
Big blessings,
Sandy

Introducing: Little Bear!

It is our pleasure to introduce you to Bodi Douglas True,

born 24 Jan 2008 in Ussuriysk, Russia.

Little Bear leaving Baby Home #3 in Ussuriysk.....forever.

I like to look in bathtubs, but don't like to get in them.

'BLESSED'

Our new little family is doing very well. Bodi has changed so much in only 10 days. His scabies rash has almost completely disappeared, he's stopped wheezing, and just looks healthier in general. Even his teeth look whiter! We've moved slowly w/introducing new foods and what do you know - no allergies.

Finally we 'snuck' him into the bathtub last night. Thank you all for your suggestions but little bear is sharp! He could see through all of our little tricks...until last night. Ryan played with him in his lap beside the bathtub while I took a bath. Ryan slowly sneaked into the bath, inch by inch. The whole process of getting in took about an hour! Finally, da-da was in the bath fully clothed and Bodi didn't fuss. Turns out he had a very good time playing and splashing.

As far as bonding goes, Bodi wants us to hold him 24/7. He has stopped running to other adults, so I think he's figured out that the Vlad Inn is not one big orphanage. Now he's entered the 'testing' phase where he throws a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants. Good times!

We should start processing paper work tomorrow and my guess is a return mid next week. At least we are now free to venture outside of the hotel area. We have been blessed bigtime to be here with an awesome group of families, including the Overstreets. The best thing about this process besides Bodi are the wonderful friendships and bonds we have made along the way.

Paka for now,
Sandy

Happy Easter from Vlad!

Hi All and thank you so much for your comments. We feel blessed to have a cheering section full of prayer warriors back home. Before I start rambling I think that I may have forgotten that not everyone has adopted from Russia! Here is the plan: We have 8 more days until our adoption decree becomes legal and then we start processing for Bodi's visa back to the US. He will be a citizen once his little toes touch American soil. We are praying to be out of here on the 25th, but are planning on the 2nd.

Bodi is doing great. He is quite a happy little bear. He is a great sleeper and eater, but not so great diaper changee and bath taker. Any suggestions on the latter 2 would be great (aside from the toy diversion -- has been tried and now those specific toys represent 'torcher chamber time'). I think yesterday was the most active day of his little life. The thought of being able to run in more than a 3 sq' area thrilled him, although he didn't go too far.

So I have to tell a few quick details of Friday, aside from what Ryan told you about court. When we arrived at the baby home they told us that he had been baptized that morning and even gave us his little plastic cross. I wasn't aware they did these type of things in the home, but was happy to hear so. The BH directors said, 'maybe this will be good for you'. So funmy. We went downstairs to claim our bear and witnessed potty time. I am only going talk about this because it gives the PAPs an idea of what happens here. There were about 8 kids lined up and pooping in bowls like dog bowls. After they pooped they would be scooped up and there butts would be washed in a tub. Interesting, is all I'll say about that.

As we were getting Bodi dressed one of the caregivers walked by and asked if he was leaving today. Anna said 'Da' and the caregiver replied,.. 'lucky'... On the way out the BH director and doctor briefed us on the bear's allergies. It was something like this... 'fruit, fruit juice, eggs, milk and anything red or orange'. OK you had me at eggs but...

Bodi has a rash ALL over his body. Thanks to my friend Heidi who adopted Brady from the same home a few months ago, I was fully prepared to treat for scabies. (Thank you Heidi!!!) We checked out WebMD, etc and he had all of the symptoms and he looked like scabies. BUT, now I am all freaked out about the fruit, and all things red and orange (although he ate sweet potatoes and was fine). He also has recurring bronchitis and was wheezing terrible. But, ever since the moment we took him out of the stifling 85 deg BH air he has improved. In my panic on both issues I believe I have successfully panicked both Grandmas to the point that they are ready to hire a private jet and fly to Russia with a pediatric medical team. Sorry Grandmas!

As we put him down to sleep Friday night he was itching his little body to pieces, wheezing up a storm and scared as all get out. My heart broke and all I thought was, 'Buddy, you have
been through the ringer...better days ahead little bear... better days ahead.

And so it was; we had a wonderful day yesterday. He loves to be thrown around, tickled and cuddles. He also likes to go to the mirror, smile at himself and have little Russian baby talk conversations, and loves to dance.

We atempted to go out for some fresh air and walk to the waterfront with him (about a 5 minute walk). VERY STRESSFUL. He had a straight face and frowny eyebrows the whole time. My heart broke for him and finally we had to leave because daddy had a stressed out boy and a crying mommy on his hands. He must have settled down though, because he fell asleep int he carrier on the way home.

We have met some very nice families at the Vlad Inn. Our friend Amy from trip number one and the Overstreets (blog right) will be here this week. Amy's boy, Matvy is from the same grupa as Bodi. It will be fun to see their reactions when they see each other here.

I am off to hide some Easter eggs for the bear! I think later we will try to get some candy and have a hunt outside for the older boys. I hope that you are having a beautiful day full of God's love!

Sandy

GOTCHA DAY!!!

WOW! The day is finally here.

After 10 1/2 hours of crazy day we finally made it back to our hotel room. We can't thank all of you enough all of your prayers. God was definitely in control all day and showed it.
We went into court a little nervous because we were not sure if we would be able to get our little bear today. Court was a little interesting. Sandy got a lecture about how she is a "hard woman" due to her military background and how she is going to have to be a mom now. I had to explain that the military in the U.S. is a secure job and explain that our house has not lost all of its value (despite what the prosecutor obviously heard from our media). However, after only about 50 minutes in court we were pronounced mama and papa of Bodi True.

When we got out of the building our facilitator asked us if we wanted to go get him now. I'm pretty sure all of Vlad heard Sandy scream YES!!!

We are finally parents with our little bear in our arms. He is sleeping now and we are not far behind. We will share more of the funny stories and horrors of bath time tomorrow.

Thank you all for your support and prayers along the way. GOTCHA LITTLE BEAR!

Guess who is walking?

Dobredyen from Vlad!

Though the time has dragged since last seeing the Little Bear, it also seems like we just left this little gray town. We are now preparing for court but had a wonderful visit with him today. The bear was quite a bit more timid when we approached him this time, I guess he's old enough to know the difference between caregivers and strangers now. By the end of our visit he was running back and forth between us and would fall into our arms giggling. So cute! This time we were in the main playroom. There were other kids in the room who just stared at our interaction and you could tell they just wanted to jump in. There were some big huge cuties who broke our hearts and we wondered if it was to late to strike a two for one deal. : )

We are preparing for court at 10am tomorrow. Please pray for us, as we find ourselves still emotionally battling at this point. Originally we were told we would pick Bodi up after a successful court hearing but now it appears that is a little up in the air, "we will see what the social worker says" is now what we are told. Deep breath! Love, Ryan and Sandy

Play Area
Ussuriysk Baby Home #3

Even More Good News!

Well we are very ready to leave next Monday 6 Apr, arrive in Vlad 8 Apr, court 10 Apr. As I posted last, there is a new judge and our agency told us to expect a 'tougher' court process...... After what we've been through already, why would it be easy?

So, here's the good news Vlad parents! Ryan and I are told that we will be picking up the little bear immediately after court and will keep him at the hotel with us during the 10 day waiting period. Woo hoo! I am not sure if they are doing this with all families, but in the last month I have stalked 2 or 3 blogs where they have done the same.

Hope to see some of you there!
BIG blessings,
Sandy

COURT DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I get an amen?

Our court date is April 10th!

For all of you Vlad parents out there, our facilitator said there is a new judge and that is the reason for the delays. Keep the faith.

Thank you SO MUCH everyone for prayers and support.
Sandy

Praise You In This Storm

I decided to post because some of my bloggy pals were getting a little worried and thought I fell off the end of cyber world. I kept holding out because I wanted my next post to be titled by those two beautiful little words..... and I dont' mean 'still waiting'. : ) Word on the street is that the judge has all of our paperwork and "needs more time".

My walk with God has been interesting over the last few months. From a full heart full of praise.. to disconnection, to sadness, to anger to....you name it. I know God is trying to teach me in this journey and I think I am starting to get it. My MIL sent me a CD from Casting Crowns. She was praying for us one day when the song "Praise You In This Storm" played and touched her heart enough to send it to me. A line in the song says "I thought You'd come down to step in and save the day" and, I guess that's what I was expecting. But, He hasn't....

I know that many of you PAPs are in your own storm and have been seriously discouraged over the last few weeks. (For those of you not in the know, Russia decided to ban homestudies from 160 US agencies.. we were lucky that our agency was not on the list). I hope that you can listen to this song and it brings you hope and faith, and as the song says-- you let Him hold your hand and wipe your tears away and then raise you up again. I also hope it gives you strength to continue to fight the good fight. Because if you don't... who will?

Here's the link: Praise You In This Storm

Many Blessings,
Sandy

71 days since The Little Bear

No new info about our court date. It does appear that things continue to move along because we've had a few paperwork requests from Russia. The last 71 days have been really difficult-- we have had some good days and bad days. But, instead of more complaining I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts:

Thank you so much to those of you who have 'checked' on us over the last few weeks. Sometimes I'll discuss the Bear w/you and your eyes will well up with tears of sympathy. Others have been awesome prayer warriors and some others have checked in and just tell us that they are thinking of us. Even my super-tough fighter pilot coworker sent me kind thoughts to remind me of God's great plan. Ryan and I are so grateful. It feels like we have a whole army on our side praying for the Bear's trip home and are ready to welcome our huge blessing with open arms.

Yaaay for my bloggy friend and new mom, Renae who just brought little Princess Olivia home from Kemerovo City.. So happy for you guys!!!