Progress

We continue to be amazed at Alex's ability to understand our English and made-up sign language. Within a week of being home, he was responding to his new American name! He is saying a few English words, but mostly it's either Russian or his made up words. We moved him from his crib to the bed, to see if that would help him fall asleep more peacefully. It seems like it has helped some. We were at the doctor today for his medical evaluation, and she said when it comes to his sleep, to treat him as if he was a newborn right now. That means giving him lots of reassurance that we are here for him, and comforting him when he will let us. Overall the doctor didn't have any major concerns about his health, so that was good. There were also some questions we had and her answers eased our worries as well.

Tyler is being a great big brother. A few snags here and there, but overall it is going pretty well. We had Matt's folks over on Sunday for a brief visit, and that was good. It is hard to continue to stay isolated from lots of other people, but it really is the best for Alex, to help him get attached to us as his parents and not get confused or overstimulated. The doctor today confirmed that this was good for him. She saw good signs of attachment and thought we have made definite progress. I guess when you're in the middle of it, you don't see how far you've come.

Alex had to get blood drawn for some tests, and the woman in the lab was Russian! She comforted him in Russian while he cried as they took the blood. I don't think it was a coincidence that she was there today. I could tell Alex was listening to her as he kept crying, but he sat still and was a brave little boy. I could see that Alex really made her day, and that she enjoyed speaking Russian to him. As we left, she took charge and wiped his nose and tears, straightened his shirt and hoisted his pants up, as if he was her own child. Of course he got a lollipop out of it too! I'll have to post some more pictures soon, if I can ever get Alex to sit still!