The Gift

He plucks a flower from the garden and carries it across the yard to a little girl in a stroller…he kisses her on the cheek. He plays peek-a-boo around every tree…every wall…even a baby carriage.

He prances when he walks…and dances in the puddles. He loves to hug and kiss…he says “please” and “thank you” (in both Russian and English). He’d rather play with an umbrella…than a ball. He’d rather play with a computer cable than a puzzle. He dumps his crayons on the floor…but picks them up…each and every one…and puts them back in the box…all points up.

The weather here is sweltering…he’s often in only underwear…leopard print. He wears his hat backwards…always. I fashioned a scarf as a cape…as Superman he struts.

He climbs…everything. He loves his mother’s backpack…and tries desperately to carry it on his own back. Every ten or so steps…he drops to the ground…giggles…and reaches out for Mama to help him up. When he can no longer carry it…he drags it. He will have one of his own before he sets off to America.

He’ll eat anything…and never misses a crumb. His mother’s transitioning him from granola bars to fruit…from Fanta to apple juice. We can’t read the packaging…so the nutritional value of everything is uncertain…but it’s only for a few weeks…all is well. So far his little tummy has handled everything that he has been given…a blessing.

When he has to “teetee“…he heads behind the nearest tree…wall…or even the edge of the garden. He’s not shy…if he’s gotta go…he goes.

Beneath the veneer of the little lamb we met just one week ago however…lies a wolf just raring to bare those jagged little fangs. He is all boy. On the surface…he oozes honey…yet just below lies a mischievous nature testing the waters with each new encounter. He is determined…stubborn…and cocky. The challenge has begun.

He understands “No!”…but doesn’t always like it…and doesn’t always respond. He’s yet to throw a tantrum…but cocks his head…slants his eyes…and threatens one. He’s knocked his noggin’ or scuffed his knees more than a few times…with nary a tear. He’s a tough one this little fella’.

When it’s time to say good-bye…he accepts it with grace. Yesterday however…Dede went to take him back…and he cried. She gave him a few more minutes…and all was well. Sometimes…as we get close to his group…he just turns around…looks at us…waves…and says “Paca” (good-bye)…and rejoins his little friends.

Every visit is a new adventure…another little fragment of his character discovered. The adventure…has just begun.

Until next time…

Peace!

P.S. There are more new pics below...