Aleks has had a lot of firsts over the past few days. I love his curious, playful mind and sweet spirit. I see a young boy with a lot of energy and a thoughtful heart. He has jumped into our family with both feet…literally, with a few back flips added for impact. The changes have been very simple, but yet they are major at the same time. Aleks has been in a place where you survive and figure it out on your own. He is very independent and yet has longed for someone to help him, do something with him, and to just play with him.

For the past five days we have connected in so many ways and there is such a long way to go. I feel he is afraid of the unknown, and so am I! He wants to be here, in America, but has not truly made the connection that we are his “forever family.” Each day will get better and a little more personal; each day will feel a little more like “home”…

Aleks is learning to trust us, to be truthful in his feelings, learning how to show his emotions. This is something that will just take time…lots of love and patience with each of us.

Here are few “firsts” with Aleks and his new forever family…
First time:
- to have “sisters” (lots of picking and teasing, I love it)
- to have a have a watergun fight with so many friends and family that love him
- to have a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie for breakfast…yum…it’s healthy!
- to go to a church where there are so many lights, bands, dancing and so many people knew his name
- to go on stage to sing and dance with me (I was totally surprised – just wish I had a camera). It was hard to sing and dance and not cry!
- to say church “is good”
- to pull his tooth and experience Tinkerbell – opps, I mean the tooth fairy.
- to have his very own bike, his own room, his own toys, his own shoes and clothes…things that are his.

There are many more firsts to experience. I am experiencing many myself…and it is a bit emotional and overwhelming, but in a good way.

I pray he will soon understand just how wonderful he truly is and what a special gift he is to our family and to me…just, me…I just look at him and my heart is so moved…God has given each of us a personal present…Aleks!!!