[cici32]

As you know, every child is different but here is our story.

Andrei had his 3rd Birthday during our 10-day appeal. We only got to see him 3 times during that time but he was always willing to spend time with us. When we picked him up he came in and jumped right on my lap. We changed his clothes and when it was time to leave he walked out holding DH's hand, hopped in the car and never looked back. He liked being held by both of us but when we were doing things outside the hotel room he felt more comfortable holding DH's hand or being held by DH. I guess he just felt more secure. Once we arrived home he wanted comforted by both of us equally. He was not shy meeting the neighbors and family. He started speaking English pretty quick and now that he has been home 6 months {3/23} he speaks primarily English. At our PP visit the Social worker couldn't believe how well he was speaking and that he knows his ABC's and can count to 15. She also watched him put his many puzzles together. We feel like he has really bonded/attached to us and has adjusted to the new chapter in his life. He goes to preschool on MWF from 9-12 and his teachers and the director have commented on how well he is doing for being here such a short time. We were originally going to put him in Preschool this coming fall but after talking to our Social Workers and watching his interest in other kids we decided to get him in earlier. We just got lucky that a spot opened up in Jan. He loves it and looks forward to going. The days he doesn't go, I'm here with him. He knows that we are a family and is sure to tell everyone he sees that we are a family.

I will say get your running shoes ready...he goes non-stop as all 2-3 year olds do. I don't sit down the entire time he is up and about. He is all boy and your typical 3 year old...into everything!! LOL He is a sweet boy and a very loving boy. I love getting showered with hugs and kisses for no reason.

We had originally requested a child under 2 but changed it to 3 and under when Russia started going through all the changes. I'm so glad that we did. He is the perfect addition to our family. We said that if we were to adopt again that we most definitely want a child between the ages of 2-4. We would go older but we would like #2 to be younger than Andrei.

Anyway, I wish you the best and if you have any questions feel free to ask.