Update

OK. OK. I'll make an update and will try to update as often as I can. But between work, sleep, Maksim and Dad, I've barely had a chance to check my email.

It has been VERY busy around the Woods household in our first week at home. Lots of visitors and lots of things to see and learn about. In spite of everything, Maksim seems to be settling in quite well. We are making progress toward attachment and getting to know each other.
He loves trucks and any other kind of machine. He loves Audry and Shamma and wishes Shamma loved him. Audry is trying to get used to him. She can't figure out how a new addition to the herd gets to eat 3 times a day plus snack!! Where is my second breakfast???


Bringing home a toddler has been a real eye opener. Gone are the times when we'd kick back by the fire quietly gazing at the stars. (Great, but a little boring. In a way, we miss it.) What we have gained, though is sooo much better. Maksim keeps us laughing, keeps us on our feet, and keeps us NOT kicking back. It is so much fun. Sure there are times when he is a big stinker and a little mischievous. Sure he throws a tantrum when things don't go just his way. But mostly he is a sweet little boy whose fear and pain will subside. Tiny bits are already being melted away.


This morning around 5:30, Maksim woke up and wanted to come and snuggle his Mom and Dad in their bed. Whenever he wakes up early we do this - mostly so Mom can get a little more shut eye. When he saw me he said with his tiny little sleepy voice, "There she is! Loubish Mama." No prompting. :-) And he wrapped his arms around me and closed his eyes. My first REAL I love you! I didn't know it would be in Russian.

Man - are we thankful for this little boy!

In other news, I will start back at work on Monday. I am torn between wanting to be back and wanting to stay at home with Maksim. I know I'm going to miss that sweet little voice telling me "good morning!". What about snack time and our walks??? But...we've gotta live. Darn money. :-) Dad is going to be off full time to care for Maks until the end of the semester. It's only a few weeks. But, it is already very difficult for Mom to stay at the computer when he calls me.