Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 10:31pm- So we converted our spare room, scrapbooking nook, storage area, etc. in to a room for Ruslan while he is here. Really, that just means we straightened it up, added a borrowed twin bed with a kid friendly construction themed comforter (thanks Michelle for the sheets!) and a city themed play rug to drive his new matchbox cars on.
But to see that little boy beam when he got here, you would think it was a luxury hotel! He is so excited! He keeps the backpack he carried from the Ukraine (that carried only a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of swim trunks that are too small, as well as the Sky mall magazine and fliers from the airplane and a happy meal toy) tucked safely next to his bed, he sleeps with a notebook and pen tucked under his pillow, and he writes occasionally in it. He takes pride in his few belongings and carefully puts them away.
He is tender, and silly, and playful and curious. He is painfully shy around strangers but faithfully attached to those he gets to know. His speech is clearly impeded by his cleft, but it doesn't stop him from talking to us! He can count to 11 in English, he says "What's your name? My name is Ruslan", and this morning it really sounded like he asked "where's Bill?" He says "OK" and "thank you" and lots of Russian that we can't understand!!! I can only imagine what we sound like to him! He seems very bright, and makes connections easily. He seems to have a good memory, and a great sense of humor! He likes to do slapstick comedy, and hide behind a door to surprise you when you walk in a room.
Ruslan was nervous at the airport last night, crying and clinging to his caregiver at one point. But, he was much better after hearing about his room at our house, and getting to try out our camera!!! He held on in the car like he was expecting it to take off just as the airplane did! He was amazed with the power windows in the car! He rode all the way home with his hand out in the breeze, fighting the sleep that was beckoning him. What must a newly 9 year old boy think as he leaves his fellow orphans and caregivers behind, drives to an unknown destination in the dark with strangers he doesn't even know if he can trust, a million miles from what he knows as "home"...after an overnight train ride, and two connecting flights with other orphans and caregivers....yes, a family of sorts, but definitely not the type of family most 9 year olds would make such an extensive journey with. What a brave boy!
After checking out his room, delighting in a donated backpack full of clothes, hygiene items and a few small toys, taking a much needed (and much celebrated)bubble bath and a late night snack of cucumbers and ranch, he slept soundly through the night until 11:15 this morning! He is exceptionally curious and would like to know what is in every drawer, cabinet, compartment, etc.
He eats like a champ, and drinks reservoirs at a time! He frequently gives a "thumbs up" to note his approval of something, and is also often seen flashing a peace sign! His face and gestures to let you know he is full, or doesn't like something, or doesn't want anymore are too hilarious. Both hands held up to keep the offending item at bay, a look of disgust on his face, and then pointing to you as if to say "you eat it!"
I practiced the ulltimate in restraint today when two little girls in McDonald's kept calling Ruslan a "weirdo" and were running away from him. So proud of Mason who stuck up for him. Ruslan would climb to the highest point in the play structure and wave and blow kisses. He, thankfully, was oblivious to the cruelty of the other children, and just thought they were playing. A great lesson for Mason to remind him not to judge others by their appearance or other superficial factors, and also a great reminder that when people don't understand or see someone that is different, they can sometimes be intolerant, and that we should try to remember not to be that way. A lesson most adults can use too!
I am exhausted tonight! Great day today filled with laughter and fun! He is too sweet! He wrote in his notebook today "Mama, Papa".......and has been calling me Mom since he got here, though I keep reminding him my name is Karen! Just heartbreaking! Favorite saying: "Mom, watch me!" Favorite foods: strawberries and cucumbers (not together!) Favorite things: a bubble bath!!!, taking pictures (especially joyous when he can capture random people in his photos!!), his blanket and glow bracelets (both used every night at bedtime!) from Redline United, warm clothes right out of the dryer, his happy meal music player toys, a dancing Santa Claus he found in the closet of our spare room that sings, "I like to move it move it!" (which he also now sings in perfect English, in harmony with Mason, while dancing about!), the photos of the other orphans who are being hosted, any photo of himself, and the photo of all four of us at the airport when he arrived. I'll be posting photos soon.........God is so good, and we are blessed to have this little boy in our home.
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