Here is my rambling of how Roman has changed from when we got him on April 23rd (in no particular order):
He has been a great sleeper from the beginning. He slept in a pack 'n play or crib in a separate room from us since we had him with us in Russia. He used to wake up several times in the night, cry out briefly, and then go right back to sleep. I can't tell you the last time he's done that. When we first picked him up, he was, of course, very excitable about his food. He always looked like he was on the edge of his seat, and when the food stopped coming we had major meltdowns. Now, he will actually sit back in his chair and enjoy his meal and not get upset when food is over. We deduced on our own that he has an allergy to cow's milk. Now that he is on Soy milk he doesn't spit up like he used to do SO much. He has gone from me hardly being able to get him to drink much fluids to drinking about 3 cups of milk per day - out of a sippy cup! Yay! He's gained about 5 pounds since we got him! He's still amazingly strong, which we noticed in Russia. I'm pretty sure if he knew what one was, he could do more pull-ups than me!
His top 2 teeth came through the gums shortly after we came home, and he now has 2 more bottom teeth already poked through the gums. He still sits and goes potty for us - he wears diapers, but still goes potty at least 3 times a day. He was on the verge of walking when we were in Russia - we were able to get him to walk those quick few steps between us at the apartment in Kras, but really started walking long distances after being home about 3 weeks. He walks everywhere, and is very fast. He also prides himself on his climbing skills - hoping he doesn't learn to climb out of the crib anytime soon!
I think the most amazing advancement he's had is language. He's 16 mos old, and in the past few weeks he has picked up the following words: Hi (with a wave), Mama, Dada, "K" for Kate, nana for banana (this was actually his first English word that he learned while we were in Moscow - he LOVED the bananas we stuffed him with :), doh for dog, woo woo for woof woof, "nah" for nose, "moh" for mouth. He can point to his nose and mouth when you ask him. He understands tons more as well - especially the phrase "no, no!" Ha! He mostly hears this phrase when he's grabbing a computer, cell phone, or tv remote - he loves electronics! He already called 911 on my cell phone one day (an old one without a sim card - didn't know it was possible!).
He cracks us up all the time. He LOVES his sister, and she LOVES him!! It's awesome - they play so well together when they aren't snatching from each other :)
And the BEST part about Roman is not only his personality, but how much he loves to be loved!! He will squeeze you when he hugs you and give you so many kisses. It totally melts your heart.
God has blessed us SO incredibly much - we are loving having Roman here with us. 2 families that we met on our 2nd trip have been in Russia picking up there children this week, and it's been so awesome to know it's happening for someone else!
I'll try to write more now that we are "settling in" a little bit more. So many changes so quickly!
