A lot has happened in the last 3 years. After surgery in March of 2007, Ivan made huge strides and completed 3 years of preschool. He continued speech and occupational therapy through the school and the hospital and also started daily growth hormone shots. This past April, he had his 6 year scans, they showed the metopic suture has closed again and now his sagittal suture has also closed. His second surgery is scheduled for September 7. Say a prayer for our mighty mouse.



Tuesday, August 24, 2010

He's my brudda from another mudda

After someone finds out our boys were adopted their first question is, "Are they biological?".  Nope.  Sometimes the next question is, "Do they act like brothers?".  YES!  They fight, they argue, they get jealous of each other.  But these two seem to have a special bond, attachment, friendship whatever it is; they never take each other for granted.

There are no coincidences.

Alex has an easy smile that was named the "Hollywood" smile by our host in Russia.
Ivan was quiet, reserved and had blank stares when we met him.  Alex has brought out Ivan's endearing personality.  Alex has a need to watch over and protect his brother at all costs.  Alex takes his hand, he helps him to the bathroom in the middle of the night, he lets him sleep with him.  He watches out for him at school and gives his teachers updates on how his little brother is doing.  Alex never gets jealous when it seems like everyone he sees asks how Ivan is recovering, instead he brags about him and gives lots of details.  Alex is the worrier, he has cried  many tears for his brother, he has said countless prayers for him.  When Ivan got stitches in his ear from running into Alex's 7 iron, he was so distraught, he cried harder and longer than Ivan.  Alex is an old soul and seems to understand more than any 9 year old should.
After the 1st surgery when Alex first saw Ivan's new head.  He was upset because, "I don't look like my brother anymore.".  He wanted a scar just like his brother's.  We drew one with a Sharpie.  When it wore off, Alex made us redraw it. 
We have watched Alex punch a kid several times because he was bullying Ivan.  At the time, Alex was only 4 years old and Ivan had only been home 6 weeks.  Their bond happened quickly.
Once, Alex asked me if I thought that someday Ivan would have a family and live on his own.  Before I could respond, he said, if he can't;  he can live with me. 

Everyday, several times a day whether we are at the dinner table, the car or just hanging out, we'll hear Ivan say, "Love you Al".  He doesn't expect a response, he just needs to let him know.

These two brothers are puzzle pieces that are a perfect fit.  They were meant for each other.

There are no coincidences.

And I am one lucky mom.

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