Happy 4th of July!

First, my apologies for the long absence from the blog.

I have to admit that the sudden passing of my mother-in-law, Jan or Happenin' Jan (she was always on the go), left me less motivated to write. She, I believe, was my biggest reader and one of my biggest motivators to post frequently especially about Sasha. I have tried several times to write a tribute blog to her but its just too hard right now so I've decided to continue updating the blog and hope someday to write an entry in her honor. We've had a busy couple of months - Sasha on the rope bridge at Cub Scout Day Camp, Sasha's first zoo adventure, a trip to Lamb's Farm, geocaching, a haircut that makes Sasha look at least three, Sasha meeting his Great Uncle Larry, Great Aunt Karen and Great cousins Alie and Dieter plus a whole bunch of other relatives including Jan's Mom, Great Grandmother Minnie. It's been busy, busy, busy.

Today, however, seemed the perfect time to beging blogging again. A year ago today, while everyone else was enjoying the festivities associated with our country's birthday, Nathan and I were sitting in a hot, Kaluga court house in front of a stern-faced judge awaiting her decision on whether we would be able to bring Alexander home to be our son. She granted our adoption but would not waive the 10 day waiting period despite our best efforts to convince her that having Sasha in the U.S. as soon as possible was in his best interest. With mixed emotions we left Kaluga that day to return to Moscow, without our son who had just started recognizing us, to begin our waiting period. For those of you who were with us on that journey, especially the gut wrenching final days in Moscow which I refer to as the "Free Toni and Tamara" campaign. It was quite a journey.

We had our annual post-placement report last week. Our social worker, Christine, sat in silence with her mouth agape as she watched Sasha. After a while, she told me that she couldn't believe that this was the same angry, serious little boy that she had met a year ago. Here was a child that was laughing, having fun just 'messing' with his Mama, liked to be read to and runs around at top speed. This was a totally different person.

I guess it's hard for us to see these kind of changes since we see Sasha each day. I think as you look back of the photos taken on July 4, 2006 and the ones taken yesterday, you'll agree 'what a difference a year has made'.

Sasha enjoying sparklers for the very first time. Boys and fire - the love affair has started early!

We wish you a very Happy Fourth of July!