My Story
I adopted my son Ryan from Russia when he was 8 months old. He is in excellent health and has overcome each of the mild medical diagnosis he was born with. He also appears to have caught up developmentally.
His baby home's conditions were excellent. The children were treated kindly and well- cared for. There were medical doctors on staff at the home to handle all medical needs.
My second trip to Russia was more difficult than I expected. I was in Russia for 11 days before my luggage arrived. After contacting family to wire money to buy clothes/diapers for Ryan, my luggage finally came the day before I was to go to Taganrog Baby home to pick up my son. However, the minor problems now seem to be a distant memory. I have my precious son home with me.
My son became mine (in my heart) from the moment the caregiver first put him in my arms, and he laid his little head on my shoulder, and snuggled himself on me. He never cried once. I only know that I loved him from that very moment. I think Ryan bonded to me from that very first meeting. I don't know, maybe somehow he knew that we were going to be a family.
Me and my son at 10 1/2 months ~~~~~~~~Ryan
Ryan has integrated wonderfully into my family! He spends the weekdays with his grandparents while I work. He reaches for them immediately when I take him in the mornings. All of his cousins' play with him like they are his big sisters. My sister's love spending time with him, and are a wonderful support for me.
Ryan and his cousin Lauren
Things are going well! Being a single parent is definitely a challenge, especially since Ryan seems to be a little strong willed. I love every part of motherhood! His smile and laugh bring me so much joy, and have taken that yearning in my heart for a child.
I would love to share one memory I have from my daily visits to the Taganrog baby home in Russia. One day after walking out of the baby home, preparing to leave to go back to where I was staying, I saw one of the most precious sights! One caregiver was pushing a stroller with a toddler, and there were 5 little ones (I think around 3 years old) walking along side the stroller holding on to the side. Each one was bundled up in heavy winter coats, toboggan caps, and gloves. This sight just melted my heart all over again! It just made me realize all the many precious children who need (and are waiting) for their forever families to come find them.
Ryan with uncle Greg and cousin Evan