Second Visit

We got back several hours ago from the second visit. I am physically and emotionally exhausted when I get back and cannot post anything for a couple of hours. It is really hard to describe in a short post what happens during the visits and how I feel. Partly b/c the visits are more stressful than I had anticipated. I was told as we drove into the town today that we would be picking up the local minister of education to observe the visit as she would be appearing in court to represent Vladimir's interest. Even though everyone has been so nice and the visits have gone well, it is not relaxing knowing you are being observed. As it turned out, the minister could not make it today, so that will happen on the next visit.

Vladimir definitely seemed less scared although he had just woken up when I arrived so was quiet. We took him outside and walked around a bit and then brought him inside back to the room we were in yesterday. He seemed to remember the toys and would look back to where they are.

I will say that I do think he is REALLY smart. I was showing him the pictures on the side of a train and then showed him the pictures on the other side, and he turned the train back over to look at the pictures on the first side. He really concentrates on everything that he is looking at and seems to have quite a good memory. I told them that his concentration is better than half my students in high school--which they thought was funny.

He is very interested in my face and loves to put his fingers in my mouth and grab my hair. Today he noticed my necklace, and was playing with the buttons on my shirt and my watch. (see what I mean GC'ers--far more observant than most of our students). It was so cute b/c I was making sounds and he would watch me and imitate!

As nice as the visit is, the whole experience feels bittersweet b/c I cannot help but feel sad for what he has not had and that he has to go without for several more weeks. Even though he is getting good care, it is not the same as having a parent. We will not be going to the orphanage tomorrow b/c there are papers that I have to sign here, but will go back on Thursday for the final visit. That may be a little heartwrenching, I am sure. I just wish that I could take him with me on Thursday.

Tomorrow we will be going to see Swan Lake with several families. We have met some really nice people here. Each morning I see Jean-Claude from Switzerland who is here on business. There are two other Wyoming families here adopting, so we are all getting together tomorrow to share pictures. We have had great meals here--the restaurants are really nice and of course, you can always just go right outside the hotel for a cold beer and shish kebab! Hope all is well and can't wait to show everyone the pictures and videos. Oh--and he has the cutest little nickname that everyone calls him! Sue--tell Niko he won't have to share his name with anyone. His nickname is totally different!!