One year ago today we landed in Sofia and were reunited with our son after being apart for almost six months. I can't believe it's been a year already. He has brought so much joy to our lives, and he is loved by so many. We've watched Nikolas transform from a scared, infant-like child to an outgoing and confident little boy. He went from a tiny, malnourished little guy who could barely chew semi-solid foods to a healthy child who loves to eat anything. When we brought him home he weighed 19 pounds and was 31 inches tall. Today he weighs 29 pounds and is 38 inches tall. One year ago he was wearing 6-9 months clothing. Now he's in a 2T/3T. He hated baths and screamed the entire time. Now he loves splashing in the water and pouring water on his face and head. He is happy, well-adjusted and very attached to both us. He's gone from shaking a baby rattle to playing with age-appropriate toys. He's had his club feet surgically corrected and is able to walk and run with ease now. He's started speech therapy and is starting to talk. The progress that he's made in the past year is absolutely amazing.
Before and After Photos
The pictures on the left were taken on July 25, 2011. The top two were taken the morning he left the orphanage, and the bottom photo was taken that evening at the hotel in Sofia. The photos on the right were taken within the past couple of weeks. He's wearing the same outfit in most of the photos. That just shows how far off we were when packing his clothes.
Watching his personality come out over the past year has been so much fun. I love watching him grow and learn new things. Seeing his smile when he experiences something new is amazing. Hearing his laugh when he's happy is the best sound in the world.
So what's next for us? I've been asked a few times if Nikolas will ever be a big brother. We have talked about it, and while we would both LOVE to go back to Bulgaria to bring home another little one, unless we stumble upon a very large amount of money, it probably won't be possible. We do know that God is in control and we need to have faith that if it's meant to be, He will make it happen.
3 comments:
Go Nikolas! He is doing fantastic. The picture tell it all.
He is so cute! I can't believe it has been a year. You are blessed.
What a great testimony to the love he is receiving and what a resilient little boy he is. How wonderful!
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