Lawyers, & Doctors & Igor: The conclusion.

Despite stern warnings from Irina, the deadly duo Harry & Igor wasted no time running circles around us. Thankfully, for just a short period. After that, they settled into a more normal mode of play. Harry would seek us out more, and even tattle on Igor when he was touching something he shouldn’t. As has been the pattern, Harry seeks my assistance first, but today, when he would come to me for help, I’d send him to Mike, and he seemed to realize it was okay to get his Poppa’s help sometimes too. At one point Harry began to tease Skip with a balloon, and of course, Skip returned the favor. He began to chase Harry, who initially liked it, but then wanted him to stop, when he didn’t, he started to whine (in Russian – don’t ask me to repeat how, but trust me). I noticed, and called “SKIP” loudly, to get his attention. We were all surprised when Harry repeated “SKIP”, in an even louder voice! Even Skip, surprised to hear his brother call his name, slowed down long enough for us to explain he wanted him to stop! May not sound like much, but to us, it was big! Oh, and he now is attempting to say balloon. It’s not perfect, but he knows the word, and tries to say it…it just comes out funny: Ba-GOON”. Yet another time, we were asking the little boys what their names were, and what our names were – “What is my name” pointing to myself, I’d ask, and they’d both say “Momma”, etc. When I pointed to Skip and asked them what his name is I got two different answers. Igor said “Skip”, and Harry, most surprisingly said “Mikl” Not Mike, or Michael, but a “Mikl” as only a little Russian boy could pronounce”. Again, we were all surprised. The DVD provided some calming time. Each time they’d get crazy, we’d encourage them to sit and watch. This time we brought the Russian version of Shrek, and it did the trick. Except, of course, this time they BOTH had a need to touch all the buttons, to fix that we wrapped a coat around the bottom where the controls are, giving us enough time to reach out and grab their little hands if they tried to open it or shut it off. They are quick! I must say Harry was all hands the other day when we used the DVD player, and today he was not AS interested in touching. Igor was just all hands. It was like he had 10 hands! A couple times when I when I was sitting on the floor, Harry came and snuggled near me. Again, this is new. He is learning to trust, and like to be cuddled again. The little boy we spent 3 weeks with LOVED to snuggle, but time, and circumstances have caused him to be more guarded, and unsure. Time with his family will cure it though – of this I am sure. Another fun part of the day was watching Harry and Igor drink water from a bottle. I had brought a bottle of water for me, but Harry found it and wanted some. Of course I gave it to him, and once he had his fill, he invited Igor. It’s clear neither have had that experience before, and were quite funny to watch. Such small things we take granted are what has provided them with the most fun & fascination. When Irina arrived for us it was lunch time for the boys, and again, Harry gave us big hugs and kisses before they left. This time when I blew a kiss to Harry, he blew one back. Another first, another step closer. While we are frustrated at how this trip has played out, we are taking comfort in the small steps we see Harry take each day. YOUR support & prayers, and these tiny snapshots in time - the “firsts” we see each time we are with Harry are what sustains us…