Thursday, September 13, 2007

Court Tomorrow!

Last Thursday evening after we met Yan for the first time, we went to a department store and got him a green t-shirt (futballka) and a pair of socks. We gave it to him on Friday and he was very excited. He ran around with it and showed the shirt to the other kids in his groupa and the women that take care of the children. Saturday and Sunday passed and he wasn't wearing the shirt. When we got to the Children's Home on Monday, he was still wearing one of his old shirts. We figured he either lost the shirt or one of the older kids got a hold of it. During Monday's visit, Yan decided he wanted to do the Disney puzzle we got him (for the 12th time). He keeps all of the things we get him in a bag carefully stored in a bedside table right next to his bed. When I went to get the puzzle out of the bag, we found the shirt and socks folded and still in the department store bag hidden underneath the lego box and paper/pencil set. We pulled the shirt and socks out and helped him try them on. He has not taken either off since Monday! We may have to "peel" it off him today if he is still wearing it. Not sure if he didn't know it was OK to wear or if he was concerned about losing them, but it was almost like he was waiting for permission to put them on. Who knows - we may never understand but it is just one of many examples of the communication gap and trying to understand each other. Each day, however, we seem to "relate" to each other more and more. One thing is for sure, he appreciates everything and anything he has. He is takes very good care of his "stuff." A couple tic-tacs are like gold for him.

Over the last couple days, we have been working on drawing letters, counting and putting simple sentences together. He is learning to ask for and give things. He let's us know when he is tired of the "drills" and just wants to be a kid and play. So we play. As expected, we kick the basketball around every afternoon. We look forward to every visit and the 3 hours that we get seems to fly by in no time. Yan still asks us every night when we are leaving if we are coming back tomorrow and we assure him that we wouldn't miss it for the world.

We receieved a call last night that our court date is confirmed for this Friday (tomorrow) at 9:30 am. While we don't expect any "curve balls" at court, please keep the three of us in your prayers that all goes well.


Yan in his bedroom (sleeps 6!)

Yan's bed and night stand

Playground at Children's Home




13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so excited to see the new pictures, and wish I wasn't running to work, or I could STARE a little longer!!! I am wishing your family smooth sailing!! Love you all very much-can't wait until you are home. Eileen

Anonymous said...

PS-I finally figured out how to send Yan's pictures to my work Email! (Only took me a week!)

andy szczepkowski said...

Good morning Sheerins! The new pictures are great! The picture of you, Michael, and Yan brings tears to my eyes. You both look so happy. It's fascinating to hear all of your stories and seeing the pictures of the orphanage and Yan's room is quite sobering. But he will be there for just a short time longer and just wait until Yan sees his new diggs!

You are in my nightly prayers that everything from here on out goes as it should and you will all be home before you know it!

Good luck tomorrow!!

Much love to you all.......and by the way, Yan looks so handsome in his new tee shirt - "Irish" green suits him very well!

cathi said...

you have been in my prayers everyday. the picture of mchael and yan is wonderful. love,cathi

Pat&Maya said...

Karen and Mike-
Wishing you much luck at court tomorrow. We look forward each morning to reading your entries - they make our day!! Maya is keeping track of your Russian. She can not wait to talk with you in Russian when you get back !!! Know we are thinking of you and Yan.

Linda Scott said...

Michael and Karen:
Sounds like Yan is a very caring and loveable little boy. Michael, you and Yan look so natural together...like you've known each other forever. Good luck in court tomorrow, we will be praying and thinking of you all.

Linda

Beth said...

Mike and Karen,

It is so exciting to read your blog everyday and see the pictures of Yan and the two of you. He is so cute. Best of luck today. The three of you are in my prayers everyday.

Love
Guittar

Sharon said...

Hi! I am glad that things are going well for both of you over there! I will pray that everything goes smoothly with court! The pictures are great! I am crying again like a baby! Can't wait for the next blog! Miss you tons!

SueLin said...

Mike and Karen, So HAPPY for you. Your son will think he is in heaven and your lives will be so enriched. We miss your positive attitude here, but we will keep the ship floating. Much Love and good fortune to your FAMILY!!!!!

Nancy DiNubile said...

We send our thoughts and prayers and can't wait for you all to come home. Good Luck tomorrow.

Love.

Girls in Protocol

Kathy and Matt said...

thanks for sharing so much of your journey. Yan looks like a wonderful little boy. We will keep all of you in our prayers and hope that rest of your trip goes quickly and smoothly.

Annette said...

we can't wait to meet Yan. We are saying our prayers and mom and dad carol wish you the very best - mom trying to figure out how to blog so promised I would send their love. all the best tomorrow.....

Denise said...

I was talking to Beth and Linda today and remarked how this is worse then waiting for a baby to be born. You make plans for a little girl and God blesses you with a little boy and still you have to wait to become Yan's parents. (by the way, Yan's name in Hebrew is God's grace !!) I am so happy for all of you. Every time I see the pictures I want to burst out in tears. Mike, your eyes are simply glowing.

You get to skip the terrible two's and fearsome fours and go right into the adorabe sixes. Now you have 3 years to fall helplessly and unconditionaly in love with your son before the nasty nines come into play! I already have his Grassy Sound t-shirt and hope you bring him over to play with the rest of the mud rats at our house.

Oh, and Mike, my work was done before I posted this hahaha !!!