Name:
Location: Ellensburg, Washington, United States

I am a deputy prosecuting attorney in rural Washington state.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Day 21: ...the Most Sincere Form of Flattery


Before we begin, we think that today is actually day 23 but we will continue the sequence that we're on.

Last night after we posted our entry, it was time for bed. After we tucked in the boys, we tried something new but had no idea what it would produce. Like the show, "The Waltons," we said in turn, Goodnight Sue, Goodnight Candace, Goodnight Lonya, and Goodnight Sergey. Lonya said Goodnight Mama, Goodnight Mama Sue. Sergey was having a good tantrum about that time but then took a breath. At that exact moment, from the darkness and the sudden quiet came a little three year old voice saying, "Goodnight Sergey" which quieted Sergey right down and the boys fell asleep soon after. Our hearts were full. Lonya clearly understands it after one time. Like you think of your children, we think he is the smartest child ever. And we think that even knowing that he has delays based upon orphanage life. For the first time with the boys, we had a full night's sleep.

Today brought more sweet moments. At one point, Sergey was standing up and bouncing on the toddler bed. His response to the adults' requests to sit was to look cute and giggle. Out of nowhere when he accidentally plopped down, Lonya said, "Good Boy, Sergey." We had no idea he had picked that one up. He seems to listen to absolutely everything we say. Now that's a frightening thought. No potty mouth at this house!

When Sergey was hitting Lonya on the head, Lonya piped up with, "Be nice to Lonya" which is a phrase that he's heard Sue use over and over.

Sergey has picked up assorted words here and there although they're hard to understand with baby babble. He's demonstrated an understanding of Again, Up, and the three primary colors. He can't say words exactly as we know them but the range of inflection is very fun to hear. And multi-syllabic babble is accomplished with a tone and lips moving left, right, left, right.

Both boys love their new shoes. It's very special to a child from an orphanage to have clothing of their own. At the orphanage, there are no personal belongings. All clothing is in a community basket, of sorts, and each wears whatever is clean. Color and style is irrelevant. Sometimes, size is even challenging. Often we'd find Sergey with shoes that were pinching his little feet or t-shirts that wouldn't come off. Also, the boys are wearing their shoes inside as a chance to experience them. Kazakh custom is to remove your shoes at the door.

Singing continues daily with more and more songs being sung with clear Russian words and gusto. Lonya is learning "Down by the Station, Early in the Morning." We heard him blend the first line of that with a line from "Sweetly Sings the Donkey." We hadn't thought of it before but the tunes are very similar. We're happy that they love music.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! What a journey you're on. I wish you and Sue all the best as you continue this path toward a larger family. The boys are beautiful! Thanks so much for keeping this blog since all of us here in the U.S. hold you and your boys in our thoughts daily.

Susan in TN

1:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You must be busy preparing for the Dec. 1st Court date -- no new blog entry :-) I'll be thinking about you and know that you will do fine.

We'll be seeing or talking with you soon as you are returning in a few days. Leaving the boys will be one of the hardest things you will ever have to do -- although you will probably appreciate the rest :-) Hang in there -- each day brings you closer to having the boys home in Ellensburg.

We haven't made any H&S rehearsal plans yet or even thought about gigs. Too busy getting my nine school performances lined up. See you soon. Nancy

11:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This sister is a dunce at new things and did not know I could reply to the blog site until Cari told me at Thanksgiving. Have been so busy with last things at school, today is my first try. The boys are adorable and we are glad things are going so well. We can hardly wait to meet them! Do you have any ideas for Christmas? Should we wait until you get home to send something for the boys, since it might now get where you are in time? Loved the Where is it? gesture with Sergey. Tiff's Cameron is about the same age, and he's really into that, too. So the little guy sounds like he is pretty much on schedule. Lonya is such a big boy to be learning English so quickly! Love, Trish

3:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Sue and Candace! Even though you haven't heard from me, I want you to know that I have been reading excitedly about all of your wondeful adventures on your blog site and I am so happy for you. Words just don't seem to be enough with what you must be feeling. The boys are beautiful and the love you are sharing with them and all of us is such a blessing. I can't wait to meet the young fellows as many of your friends have also said.
Just a note to let you know that after I lost my mom, my older sister also passed away just 12 days later. Long story. I will share with you when you get back. I am going to be fine! How I am right now is "hanging in there"!
Take good care and we will see you soon. It is with out a doubt that you will be the very best parents you can possibly be and bless you for your loving gift to these children. Love, Betty

9:30 AM  

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