Valera's Personality

We are having a quiet day. Anya is doing business in court today. Valera went with her as the social worker would like to talk with him to see how he is doing. We are still waiting on word about our court date.

I thought I would take this time to tell you about Valera. He seems to be a "go with the flow" kind of kid. He is happy and eager to do anything we suggest....except shower and sleep. Although he does both those things when we ask; just not with as much enthusiasm.

He says thank you more than any child I have ever met. He lets everyone walk through the door before he does. When we walk back from the grocery store he insists on carrying the bags. I carried a bag home too but when we got to the stairs of the apartment, he took the bag from me.

He knows how to play UNO so we have been playing a bunch. I am trying to teach him his color words while playing. He has "blue" down. He tries not to lay down his "skips, draw twos, or draw fours" and when he does he says in English "I am sorry". He can count to seven now in English since each player gets 7 cards. Can you tell how much we have been playing UNO?

Valera seems very coordinated and tough. Although he fell a few times during ice skating, he would jump right back up. He has picked up on it quickly. We did a 45 minute session and he was the last one off the ice. He really enjoys it!

He is really hungry. But he will only eat if we are eating. He did this back in Virginia. We are trying to break this habit but it will take time.

We bought Valera new shoes last night. We were having to put his other shoes outside our door. They were so stinky. He thanked each of us for his new shoes....me, Ted, Pa, Delaney, and Mary Kate.

Valera likes all things electronic. He can say "iPod" and "iPad". There's no language barrier with the games. He likes "fruit ninja" and "where's my water?"

The sweetest story that I can share with you to describe his personality is this: Valera has been sleeping in a room with my dad. There are two twin beds pushed together. Well, one morning Valera woke up before my dad. Actually my dad was awake but trying not to show it so that Valera would keep sleeping. Valera crawled out of the bed on his knees then pulled the sheet up over my dad as to keep my dad warm.

He has done this on more than one occasion.

I am sure that we have a lot more to learn about Valera. I am sure he is on his best behavior right now. But for today, I am praising the Lord for all that we are learning from him.

Have a great day! Please keep praying for us and keep those comments coming. They are such encouragement to us.