This is why Sasha is my Miracle From Russia

I did the parent/teacher conference thing today which meant that it was in a group setting given the special school he attends. I cannot image my parents going through this almost grilling session. It is kind of funny to talk to these people about Sasha's progress. Of course he is failing at grade level because he is not reading at a 94% rate. They acknowledge that he has not had the years of exposure that normal American kids get before being tossed into the school system. They also acknowledge that everyday, during reading time he takes the books and "reads" them independently. And he and I "discover" letters everywhere we look. So it is like I told the team today - imagine Sasha's learning curve as a rubber band - right now it is being pulled back and it seems like there is not real progress. That pulling of the rubber band is him absorbing and mentally organizing everything. Let the rubber band go and boom, watch all the knowledge shoot out everywhere.

Given this time last year my son could not count to five in either Russian or English much less identify a letter I find him to be making amazing progress. And he practices all the time. He practices so much that I hear him "singing" himself to sleep by counting or naming the alphabet. And then I told them to check back in six months because they would be amazed at the progress.

So our world is happy. Recently, out of the blue one Saturday afternoon, Sasha thanked me for coming to get him and bring him home. His words not mine. It took a moment to register (he meant home from Russia) because I was at the other end of the house reading something or other. And then I understood so I told him well of course - he was my son and I needed to bring him home. He then said, "ok mom," and turned and walked away. It still makes me cry every time I think about it.

That is why I call Sasha my Miracle from Russia. Everyone please take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving - my favorite holiday. - Mama Sarah

yeah - it is all worth it

So we still have bumps in the road. I think those are the normal kid things we deal with every day. And yet, my son is so amazing. It is like he is a miracle that unfolds before my eyes everyday. Yeah, yeah, we gets lots of help but at the end of the day he is still the one that amazes. And I thank God for him being in my life everyday.

Oh yeah - the palette expander is going better for Sash than my braces are going for me. Go figure. :)

I think he may have finally understood what a birthday is - and now we go toward Christmas. That he knows so it is starting to get fun. After all, having kids means spoilage - yeah! Oh course my "parent training" pre-adoption emphasized these "kind of" kids could not be spoiled because we, as parents, were simply filling their unmet needs. I personally think that we, as parents can actually spoil - all too easily. And yeah, I do it. But at the end of it all, my son blossoms and grows. And everyday he asks me if I have dreams, what they are -- and then he tells me his. Yeah, it is all worth it.