Dear News,
This is Gus. Russian child adopted by Americans.
He doesn’t get his own story in your media.
And he doesn’t understand why.
I tried to explain you only report the bad, scary stuff.
He thought it over and he thinks that’s silly.
Life’s good for Gus.
He’s happy,
and loved.
And he wants everyone to know.
Both boys got haircuts recently… Aaron cuts their hair. Do NOT ask me to do it. Bad idea.
Gus’s was actually on his birthday. His hair was starting to look a bit shaggy. This is the first cut he’s had since he’s been home.
Reed just got his hair cut a few days ago. His was SHAGGY. It had not been cut since August… whoops!
Reed totally hates this. He was lecturing Gus on how it might be scary.
All done! So much better! Now, another 6 months until we do that again…
I want to talk to you about love. Surprise, surprise, it IS Valentine’s Day after all.
Last year, on Valentine’s Day, I met my baby boy for the first time. I fell head over heels for that kid and I’m still an obnoxious adoring mom, soaking up his kisses and tugs on my legs.
I love that kid. And I’ve seen how our family’s love for him has transformed him. And I’ve seen how the love of families has transformed the lives of so many once-orphans.
Love can do incredible things.
“Мама любит Андрюша.” “да!” I say this to him often. “Mama loves Andrusha!” “Yes!,” he happily exclaims.
Love can be material. Roses that will die. Chocolates that will add to your waist line. Lingerie that will end up in the dust under your bed.
Or, love can be more. The love a mother has for her son. The love a God has for his children.
Along with my friend Jill, I’m committing to spend this lent season praying for the orphans who do not know love. That families might find them, and barriers will be shattered, political, financial, all kinds. That they will someday be LOVED.
(And disclaimer: I know I blog about Gus way more than Reed and Lena! I need to do some posts on them soon, but I had to use Gus an example since today is our Metcha-versary.)
This boy had a birthday today!
A birthday complete with dance parties…
And lots of excitement…
And a singing Crocodile Gena…
And of course, cupcakes and candles.
If he had the words, I’m pretty sure he’d tell you it was legendary!
Tuesday marked 6 months home for my littlest man. I love this kid. Love, love, love him. And he loves us. Seriously, he soaks up having a mama and a papa and a big brother and sister. One of his latest words is “kickle”, asking me to tickle him. He loves to cuddle and kiss us.
(He ran in to a cabinet.)
He loves us. He needs us. He reminds me every day… babies need mamas. This is truly a bittersweet realization every time it hits me, in light of the Russian adoption ban. When I think about all of the babies who don’t have anyone to snuggle them or “kickle” them or tuck them in and tell them “Мама любит Андрюша. Спокойной ночи. (Mama loves Andrusha. Goodnight.)”, that breaks my heart. When my baby snuggles on my lap, he is 100% my baby. But, I can’t help but think of where he once was. When I think about how there are only months separating him from being my baby and being stuck in a Russian orphanage, that breaks my heart.
But, my baby’s here. Celebrating 6 months this week. We’re loving life together.
But, I’m also asking you to join us in prayer for the thousands of Russian orphans who will be left behind if this ban stands. I’m asking you to pray that the hearts of politicians in power soften and the truth is known– that for thousands of children, there is no hope for them in Russia and they deserve the love of a family.
a moose in moscow 