What to say? We are nearly 3 weeks post Russia, and it has been exactly one month since we took Elijah out of the orphanage for good. Here are a few of the recent updates:
English is coming along great! He's learning new words everyday, and Sara estimates that he understands more English now than Russian (that doesn't keep him from saying his favorite word, "niet!").
Attachment continues to improve as well. He loves snuggling with mom. When Sara is rocking him before bed, they take turns touching each other's face. He even grabs her hand to hold it while they rock. Elijah is also comfortable enough with papa now to let him tickle him like he does the other boys (I knew he couldn't resist for long!).
His fits have become shorter and less involved now. Now, instead of chucking "la la" (his favorite toy music maker) across the room when he is mad, he stops his fit, hands his "la la" to mama, and then continues his fit (small blessings right?).
He is getting used to the boys as well. They are able to play together a lot more than before. He is especially taken by Isaac, our oldest son (Sara is convinced that it's confusion about the long hair...he thinks Isaac is mama). He spends his day calling Isaac's name and pointing things out. Isaac has been very patient. I think he really likes the attention. Isaac even changed his first poopy diaper (it was actually a consequence he was serving for fighting with his brother in the van, but I think he enjoyed it....ok, maybe that's taking it a little too far).
Papa helped him with his first swings of the baseball bat (you had to know that one was coming).
He got his first "American" haircut. Number 6 on the clippers worked perfectly. Not too short, not too long (mullets were aplenty in Russia...tempting, but no).
Curious George has been shelved in favor of "Misha Bear", the teddy bear his grandma made for him. He even calls it "Misha Bear" (poor George, after all he has been through. Oh well, Curious George will always be the first love).
He is even eating well. Most foods go down easily with little to no trouble (even some spicy chicken strips we had left over in the fridge).
Important things yet to be done:
Give him his first "IN-N-OUT Burger" (not sure his taste buds are ready to handle such bliss just yet).
Take him to his first Dodger Game (have to save that one for the right time. It has to be special. Plus, it would be nice if they were winning too).
I hope that satisfies some of the inquiring minds. More to come soon...
JP
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