Harry's new toy...

Since we arrived we have tried to bring toys/snacks/DVDS/gadgets with us each time we visit Harry. Anyone who has done this international adoption thing knows that the older the child, the harder to connect after long separations. Well Harry is no different and some days although he is all smiles when he sees us, he is hesitant to interact for awhile. That's where the magic red bag filled with fun comes in. Well today we found one that beats all....Mike's digital camera. He just LOVES taking pictures. His style is a bit unorthodox however. Right before he snaps the picture, he says "CHEEGE" (that's progress from "Cheech" ) then takes it. He walks around taking phots of radom objects, and each time he'll point the camera, say "Cheege", take it, wait to see the results in the display on the back of the camera, then, satisified, move on to the next thing. Today he photographed all 14 beds in the sleeping room. As he stopped in front of each one, I'd ask him whose bed it was, and he'd rattle off the names...Stas, Dima, Leeza, Igor (right next to his bed) Danil, Anya, Vadik, etc. etc. etc. The beautify of digitals of course is that there's no film being wasted. When we returned to visit him in the afternoon, he was grouchy - partly because it was right after naps, and partly because we were changing his routine. Instead of going outside with his group as usual, he was told to play with just us for awhile in another part of the playground - away from his friends. He sat inside an old amusement park ride (a rocket I think) and gave us the "Ne hochay" for about 15 minutes....until I remembered the camera. As soon as he saw it, his eyes got big as saucers and said "Dye" (Give) "Say give, please" I told him, and he quickly complied "Geev Pleeeeze". From then on, he was in heaven Taking our pictures, engaging, happy. We played alone for about a hour, then met his group to play. Skip played with two of the olders boys, Danil & Sasha - both will be 5 in just a few months. Danil is very tall and acts much older than most of the kids, so he and Skip get along great. Sasha is the same age as Danil, but a bit immature, but quite adorable. Everyday he asks my name - even though he knows what my response will be. When I say "Vitaliy's Momma" he laughs and says "Nyet - Sasha's Momma"...

Before we left, one of Harry's very favorite caregivers, Natasha, asked us - in Russian and a weak attempt at English - if we were going to court on Friday. When we figured out what she was asking, and told her yes, she started to cross her fingers and legs, and arms. We got the message... She is really great with Vitaliy, and all the others. I know he will miss her. I hope to get a nice pictures of him with her, so Harry can always remember the wonderful people who have cared for him...

Tomorrow we will make another morning & afternoon visit, and then meet with our attorney to go over last minute details for court on Friday.... I'm trying not to get ahead of myself, but, I pray this is it!

Your continued prayers mean everything to us!

Skip pushing Danil on the Group's only real swing...

Skip is teaching Harry the letters...mostly Harry just pushes the buttons...repeatedly

Inside the "rocket"Harry emerges from the Rocket to take my picture

Yep, this is a really cool toy!