2 months!

Two months have passed since the day Nik was united with us at the orphanage in Russia.  It is amazing to think of all the ways his world (and ours) has changed in these two months.  Nik seems to understand most basic English that we say.  He is also speaking many English words and gradually beginning a few English phrases.  I eagerly anticipate when we can really converse with him in English.  Very often, I find myself wondering what he is thinking, and I am ready for him to be able to tell me! 

As you can imagine, this time of year has been a beautiful time with Nik, full of a lot of great memories. He has had so many new experiences.  If he could explain to me, I think he would say his favorites are meeting a real camel at a live nativity and discovering the joys of cookie decorating (and eating!).  Nik was in a musical performance at his preschool, and, to my amazement, stayed on stage the entire time, waving to me in the audience.  We dedicated Nik at our church last Sunday.  Our church family has been very supportive of our journey to get Nik, and it was wonderful to share his arrival with them.  We selected the following verse, Isaiah 43:1-3, as part of our dedication for him,

 "But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Last year, we hung 5 stockings above our fireplace, knowing that across the world, a child who belonged with us, was waiting. This year, the same 5 stockings hang, but they will all be filled! I cannot wait to see his reaction Christmas morning.



Nik's baby dedication at church...



At one of my races, Nik experienced his first giant slide
 (with the help of mom who got a giant scrape out of the whole experience).
 He was scared at first and was screaming for more by the end!



Trying to figure out pedalling the bike...

Nik loves crafts!

Happy Boy!

Nik met a horse for the first time.  Despite horses being his favorite animal by far
when we are looking in books, he was pretty scared and didn't want to touch the horse. 
He constantly talks about meeting the horse, though.  I can't wait to take him to the zoo. 

On the other hand, the camel at the live nativity was an enormous hit.
Nik was amazed at the camels and
did not want to leave their side.