Spain to sign treaty to ban gay couple from adopting

Previously, around early July 2013, Russian was putting adoptions on hold because of possible children going to same-sex parents from other countries.  Targeting those countries that allow same-sex marriage.  Now, it looks like these countries may be signing an agreement with Russia to not block straight couples from adopting.

http://www.advocate.com/parenting/2013/12/31/reports-spain-sign-accord-russia-barring-gays-adopting

bombings in volgograd

Sad to hear that once again there has been a terrorist attack in Volgograd.  There was one this summer, shortly after we left Russia with our son.  This place holds alot of memories for us as a family.  I will always remember this place, but am sure glad we don't need to go back.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/01/world/europe/bomb-attacks-in-russia-echo-threats-by-chechen-insurgent.html?src=recg

Mama and Papa first date

After almost 5 months of being home with our son we decided to go out and left him with my sister at our house.  We wanted it to be at our house so he has a familiar surrounding, toys, etc.  Fortunately we live near a movie theatre so we walked down to see a movie.  We saw catching fire and it was great.

We left the house telling our son we would be back after.  He understands that word so we use it often.  He said mama and papa as we left, but no tears or panic.  He seemed calm as he knows my sister and has seen many times.  When we came back home he saw us walk to the front stairs through the window and we can hear him saying hi. As soon as walked in he went to mama and was very affectionate giving lots of hugs and kisses.  Papa didn't get much love.

My sister said he was really good.  He played with various toys all over the house and was his usual busy self.  Shortly after arriving home we started the night routine and put him to bed.  We thought he may be up often to make sure we are here, but he didn't.  He slept all night.  Only waking up around 7 to lie down for a bit in the main bed with us which is something he always does.

We were very pleased with how it turned out and feel confident how well he has adapted to life here.  What a great kid I have.

First post adoption report

We met with our social worker to complete our first post adoption report.  She asked general questions you would expect like what activities do you do with your child, does he have a doctor, what do they say about him, etc.

We were also asked about food he eats, his language skills which we provided some specifics on.  We talked about his eating on the go and his all day snacking ritual.  The number of words he says and how some words mean a few things.  For example, Apple and open both sound like he is saying apple.  He can't say the letter c and he try's to sing the alphabet especially loving the l m n o p part.  Overall, it was not a big deal.

We asked about the Russian program and she said its been on hold and not sure when or if coming back.  She had another family she was meeting with who were still waiting for Russia.  I asked her what's out there and she mentioned the US and South Africa as options.  It's unfortunate it has to be this way.  I think countries come and go and every year or two there is a new hot spot.  For many years it was china, then Russia and now who knows.

3 month mark

We have past the three month mark of being home with our son.  I think we are getting used to the day to day things a parent encounters.  He's  a busy guy and still showing interest in everything.  He likes to open doors, cupboards and drawers.  He enjoys playing with the heat register covers, baby gates and the tv with all the chords.

He moves from one thing to the next quickly and always has a smile on his face.  He is a very loving child and affectionate for the most part.  It's still a bit surreal he is home.  Sometimes I find myself looking  at him remembering visiting this child in Russia not to long ago.

Although its been 3 months I still feel he is still getting used to things in his home. We have yet to leave him with anyone else and he hasn't slept anywhere but his bed.  Our plan is to have a few small outings this year and leave him with my sister.

He's an amazing kid.  This isn't the scared serious kid we would visit in Russia.  I feel he is himself in Canada.

let's adopt a new attitude-video link

http://adoptanewattitude.com/media/video-lets-adopt?0

amazing video!!!

Russia bans sweeden from adopting

Looks like Russia may be shutting their doors to international adoption, one country at a time.  All over their stance on gay people.

My favourite line is the first one. Russia would rather its children have no parents than gay parents

http://www.ryot.org/russia-halt-adoptions-gay-friendly-countries/403933