Thank You Everyone!

Well, we've now been home for just about 2 weeks and life has certainly changed. Roman is an amazing little boy and we both feel so lucky to have him in our lives. Our trip home from Russia was good for us, but maybe not for some of the people around us in the Frankfort, Germany airport or possibly on the last leg of the trip as Roman was getting a little cranky and was being a typical 2 year old. Note: Benedryl is a savior (helped him sleep), but be sure to memorize the dosage as we didn't give him quite enough, hence he was a little vocal for the first 2-3 hours of the final leg to Boston. A pre-arranged shuttle van met us at the airport and we were happy to find out that Roman seems to enjoy being in a child seat. The last 2 weeks at home have been great! Roman has completley come out of his shy shell and is an energetic, babbling, curious, and happy little boy. Between the toys that Dawn and I had prevously bought prior to the trip and those that family and friends have bought, Roman must feel like he just hit the jackpot. As far as we're concerned, we're the ones that hit the jackpot. One thing that is incredible is his appetite. OMG! I kid you not, he can keep pace with Daddy. It's a little scary as we can't figure out where it all goes into that little body, but the doctor is happy with it. Speaking of the doctor, Dr Stavisky, whom is a Russian - adopted Child Peditrician specialist, she's great! We just wish she was closer than 1 hour and 15 minutes, as we both think she would be a great doctor for Roman through his childhood. Unfortunately she's a little too far (Wellesely, MA), so after about 6 months to a year Roman will be going to Dr. Michaud right up the street from the house. Dr. Stavisky said something that meant alot to both of us. She said that usually the children coming out of the Baby Homes in Russia were not nearly as well nurished and healthy as Roman and that it is apparent that someone at the Baby Home gave him special attention and more love than is normal. She said that in Russia a sign of a loved child is a very well nurished and healthy one. Our only 'issue', if you want to even call it that, is that Roman does not like his afternoon nap, nor does he care for nightime sleep, hence Mommy and Daddy aren't getting much sleep. Dr. Stavisky so far has had some of the best advice from all of the tips we have been getting from friends and family and sleep is getting better, but this is definitely going to be a project. One funny thing, well it was a little shocking at the time, was that on our first our second night home with Roman we put him to sleep in a crib, as we were told this is what he was sleeping in at the Baby Home, and then at around 3am we heard a small thud and a few minutes later a little sillouette in the night came wobbling into our bedroom. Good-bye crib, hello Toddler bed. One strange thing is that Roman refuses to use a blanket or be covered in anything. He doesn't like any of the stuffed animals he's gotten and prefers to sleep in a bed with just a sheet on the mattress. Hopefullty this will change in time as it just doesn't seem right, but he's happy. Yesterday was his 2 year birthday and we think this was quite possibly the first time he has ever had cake (cupcakes)! Like Daddy, he just prefers to eat the icing and then pick at the cake.

This is strange ---- We were both talking on the plane ride back from Russia about how great it would be if we could arrange to have a Hot Air Balloon tethered in our field during Roman's summer party. Neither of us know anyone who has a balloon and it's probably not affordable, but we just both thought what great centerpiece to Roman's party it would be, especially if the Hot Air Balloon could give tethered rides. NOW HERE'S THE STRANGE PART--- Last week at around 8am early in the week we heard this strange loud noise that we both thought was the furnace getting ready to explode. We looked outside and believe it our not there was a HOT AIR BALLOON LANDING IN OUR FIELD!!! Unbelievebale! They successfully landed and we were presented witht the customary bottle of champagne!!! Wow! Pictures are here to prove it! In one of the pictures you can see Dawn holding Roman!

Thank you for following along on our journey. As this chapter in the journey is complete, we probably won't be making any more posts to this blog, but feel free to call us or e-mail us at: greentrimfarm@comcast.net

Love,
Jeff, Dawn, & Roman