1 Month!

I found it very fitting that Thanksgiving day represented the one month anniversary of Nikita joining our family.  The day we picked him up from the orphanage seems like a lifetime ago to me (Ann-Marie).  I wonder what it seems like to him? I've sat down with him several times to look at photos of the orphanage and some of his caretakers. I wonder if he misses them. I wonder what he thinks of his new life here.  By all indications, he seems happy and is full of smiles. We are very blessed. 

It is amazing how much we have gotten to know him and how much he has changed in just one month.  He understands most of what we say now and is using quite a few English words. He has gone from being a great eater to a picky eater (I blame his picky eating brother and sister for the example on this one...).  We have learned ways to work with him and discipline him when necessary that seem to be working pretty well; overall, he is much calmer than one month ago.  He no longer gets car sick (hallelujah!).  And, he has developed a lot physically; he runs more and climbs more at the playground.  He loves to pray and sometimes prompts us to pray and loves to shout "AMEN" at the end of prayer time.

In just one month, Nikita has experienced his first meeting with a dog, first plane ride, his first restaurant, his first trick or treating, and his first thanksgiving.  Sadly, he also had his first emergency room visit the other day, after an accident on the back porch involving acrobatics with the patio chair. Most activities, from running errands to a visit to the library, involve a "first" for Nikita. It has been so fun to see the world through his eyes. 

Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks.

 

Yummy! Thankgiving Dinner! 

Pioneer Day at preschool. 

Out to eat!



Duck Pond! You cannot imagine how excited Nik was to see the ducks. 

Looking at the pond with Dylan...

Emergency room! Poor Nik flipped out of his chair while eating lunch
on the patio. After lots of bloodshed and tears, Nikita was given 5 staples to his head and is on the road to recovery. 

 

Flying by...

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since we arrived home with Nik!  Time is flying by and life is full of adventure!   I won't lie and say everything has been a walk in the part.  Overall, Nik is adjusting very well and truly is a part of the family.  But, adjusting to having three kids (we are now outnumbered!!) is a challenge on all of us, but we are making progress every day in figuring things out and trusting God for wisdom moment by moment.

Over the last couple of weeks (since our last post), Nik has continued to get used to his new life!  He met Brent's parents, started preschool, and has gone to church with us twice.  Last Sunday, when we pulled in the parking lot, he yelled (in English), "CHURCH!".  That was fun to hear. He has met many of our friends and generally takes to new people pretty well, as long as we are nearby.  He loves Maddie and Dylan dearly and has a lot of fun with them. 

Here are a few pictures from some of the highlights of the last couple of weeks...

Going for a walk to the park...

Learning to swing!

First day of school! Nik is doing great at Legacy Church Learning Center!
We are blessed to have them taking care of him for 2 to 3 days a week for a few hours!

Ready for school!

Looking through our folders after school. Nik is obsessed with his backpack
and doesn't like to take it off.  He puts it on and runs to the garage when I say "time for school!"

Mimi (Brent's mom) was a big hit! Nik loved playing with her.

Loaded in the car, heading to church!

One Week Home!

We arrived home exactly one week ago. In one way, its hard to believe its already been a week and in another way, it feels as if Nik has been here forever.  He really has fit in well with his new family; his playful personality, silliness, and stubborn streak (that we have witnessed in a few of our "tough" moments) make him the perfect Bowen.  God put him right where he needed to be. 

It has been a great week.  Watching Nik experience things for the first time has been beautiful.   Communication is hard at times, but gesturing goes a long way and we are figuring it out.  He appears to be embracing his home here.  One of the sweetest moments of the week happened the other morning. Brent walked into his room to get him dressed and he was repeating to himself (in Russian) "This is my house; this is my house." 

Here are a few pictures of Nikita's first week in his new home:

Playing with the neighbor's flag. Welcome to America, Nik!
 

First haircut!  Ironically, Nik is less obsessed with hats after his haircut.
Maybe, the poor guy was just self-conscious.

Enjoying an apple after the haircut.  He seriously prefers
apples over candy and eats the ENTIRE thing. The only thing left
when he is done is the stem and a couple of seeds. 





Nik loves to cook...

Playtime!

Nik loves to color. 

Overall, Nik is a happy little boy!