Liz's Story of Neil Adoption

  

Hello We have just returned from our second meeting with Neil. He is gorgeous and SO SMART. When they first brought him in I didn’t recognize him - neither did Bill. We were expecting him to be sickly and coughing and he was smiling and had color in his cheeks. I walked up to him and called him a "little bunny" in Russian. He smiled and reached out his arms and it was true love. At first the ladies were afraid that he would be afraid of Bill, because these babies almost never see men. He touched Bill's moustache, then his nose and smiled. He is so cute! I really can't believe it. It was the most amazing feeling. It wads like giving birth and getting married all rolled into one. That's the only way I can explain it, but I will never forget it. The dreamy look that Bill's been walking around with pretty much says it all. Daniil is very small and developmentally delayed, which we were expecting. He appears to be a healthy 8-month-old baby instead of a sickly 13-month-old baby. He is little and cuddly and loves to be rocked. He loves prying open my mouth to count my teeth. I think he has a future in dentistry! He crawls and scoots and pulls himself up. He was standing before, but after a bad bout of bronchitis is quite week and is not standing or walking right now. It will come - he is very strong. He's recovering from measles and scabies, so he's a little spotty, but that will probably be gone by the time you meet him. He has tiny feet, huge ears and vibrant blue eyes. They looked grey before and are listed as grey on his papers, but they are definitely slate blue. He is blond and has rosy skin like mine. He has a dignified, prominent nose that will someday be quite manly like his handsome father (read big). We played for hours and then some 3-year-olds came in for their playtime. He was fascinated by them - Hello, Bella! Ussuriisk is so different from Moscow. It could be another world. It is trulyTijuana with the color sucked out. Things are quite bleak and grey, and the life here is hard. Many families do not have indoor plumbing, in fact outhouses are common. Work is relatively scarce, although there are many educated people because there is a college here. Despite the bleak conditions, the people are wonderful and warm. With the exception of a VERY scary hotel and hotel staff, everyone has been charming and gracious. The women with whom we are staying are amazing. I'd consider returning just to visit them. Both Tatiana and her daughter Irina speak beautiful English and are enjoyable company. Again, my dieting idea is just not gonna happen. Bummer. The first day for lunch we had soup, potato pasta, sausages, coleslaw, tomatoes, bread, raspberry cake, apples, chocolate candy and tea. Three hours later we had dinner. Luckily we walk everywhere, so at least I can maintain. The food is wonderful, although vegetarian is not something people really understand. I'm being flexible; Bill is proud. The women with whom we are staying have a naughty little Pomeranian named "Bonnie". He's a bad boy, but cute and keeps me from missing my pets too much. I can't say that about Bella. I miss her terribly, but I'm sure she is fine without us. It is very difficult to make calls, so if necessary you can call us. The local number is 3-36-53. We are in Ussuriisk, Primorski Krai. You will probably have to ask the operator for the prefix, as no one seems to know it (?)or better yet, Mom, Stacy or Maggie can call WACAP in Seattle - they have the direct dial number for where we are staying. It is difficult to make even collect calls, as the Russian operators charge you for connecting to the collect operator. I'm writing from an internet cafe, but starting on Thursday 2/28 we will be moving to the Vladivostok Hotel and they have internet service and phones. Mom, Stacy and Maggie have the phone numbers at the hotel. We are at the baby home from 10-noon and 3-6 everyday. Otherwise we are at the house or out walking off lunch. It is 18 hours later here, so a good time to call is 9 am our time, which is 3 pm for you. We are thrilled. Neil really is a darling and I think our family will be complete with the addition of this little man. Barbara and Lisa - you will love him - he is the super snuggle bug. He will sit and cuddle as long as you will. He'd be happy to do that all day! Before we left Western Russia, we went to a beautiful church. I lit a candle for Jenna and one for Teresa, both in the Mothers' Alcove. I said a little prayer for Neil's birth mother, too as they are all part of this incredible journey. It felt good, and I think they all approve. . We love you all. Liz, Bill and finally, Neil!   Continue.....