Six months ago today, after a devastating 8 month wait, we were finally reunited with our little Rex in Yerevan. What we found that day broke our hearts: our child was sad, angry, lonely and had nearly given up on others and on the world. He had turned to auto-aggression and raging to express how he was feeling. He was bruised from his own fists and rashed from the heat. He was almost entirely unable to connect with people in any way. He was hanging on by a thread to keep the spark and spirit of humanity alive in himself before going empty.
So what difference do six months with loving and attentive parents in a peaceful home make? We now have an active, curious, loving toddler who is quite confident and brave. He still struggles with some of the effects of institutional life, but by anyone’s estimation, he is not the same child. He has made incredible progress and works hard every day to move forward despite a host of special needs. He has found ways to communicate, he has attached to us, and he loves to laugh and explore. His greatest pleasure in life is music, anything from classical to German children’s songs to rap. He also so enjoys back rubs and foot massages and has turned into a regular cuddle bug.
See for yourself: Before & After July 11, 2011 & January 11, 2012
Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBrooke
www.TheAnnessaFamily.com
You guys are wonderful parents! Rex has just blossomed! Congratualtions on the 6 months marker! Something about 6 months made me smell the roses and see the progress with Elina. it was then that I felt her growth on so many levels! So today I know exactly how you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how much Rex has changed and grown. Can't wait to see what he is like at 1 year home!
ReplyDeleteAww, happy 6 months home, Rex! I'm making vroom-vroom noises over here to celebrate this awesome little man:)
ReplyDeleteLol, Casiej!
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