Ups & Downs...day 3

Well when we showed up today around 9:15 at the Baby Home, Harry & one of his caregivers met us at the door to his group. He smiled broadly and said “dras-vot-tye” (Hello) and then the caregiver told us we would go and play with him in another room in the building. All the way to the other room – he laughed and smiled. Then we got inside the big room – which was empty except for some couches and shelves with nothing on them, and the caregiver left. Harry went from happy to sad. Clearly this poor child is confused and scared! He just sat trying to pretend we didn’t exist for about a half hour – until a “Psychologist” came to talk with him. He was happy again after that, but twice told us “Groupa” (meaning his group) and tried to bolt for the door. Once he got halfway down the hall before a “hall monitor” caught him and carried him back. She was very sweet, and calmed him down, talked to him, and told him to play with his family and she’d be right outside the door. That worked for him, and he was great after that. We played most of the time with the wooden Thomas The Tank set we brought with us, and also with a ball we found in an adjacent room. By the end of our visit – around 12:15 or so, he was having a grand old time. He and Skip were getting along great. Skip would tell him something (in English)then motion for him to understand, then Harry would get excited and say “Da” (Yes) and do what Skip told him to do. Even though he had a hard time at first, it was still a great visit. We are again seeing the silly, daring, belly-laughing boy we last visited 18 months ago! All the caregivers have been really sweet with us and him and we are really appreciative for all they've done.

Now, speaking as a mother - his mother, I’m pretty sure he’s getting sick, and that could have contributed to his reluctance. He was rather warm, had a little runny nose, and coughing a very loose cough. He showed no signs of this the last few days, so maybe he’s just coming down with a cold, and wasn’t quite himself. Nevertheless, it was a good morning for all. I’m finding it hard to attach pictures to my posts while here in Russia, so I’m gonna try doing them separately from now on. Following this post, I’ll add another with just pictures….

We’re headed outside with Skip now. Today it is warm – about 19 degrees Celsius – about 66 degrees F. so we’re gonna take advantage!

Tonite we start preparing for court! Pray for us!