The highlight of the day came just a little bit ago. We were Skyping with Ted at the same time Mary Kate was swimming in our pool. Usually Valera says hi to everyone on Skype but beyond that there isn't much he can say. Tonight was different though. Ted skyped on the back deck and turned the camera so that Valera could watch Mary Kate do a cannonball, a dive, a regular jump into the pool. Valera was actually counting as MK was about to jump in, "one, two, three" and she would jump. He gave her the thumbs up and said "America, me" then made the jumping in and swimming hand motions.
He actually ran down the hall to the kitchen, where I have two calendars I made with markers - one for August, one for September - with pictures I drew on different days. For example, when Ted and the girls flew home there is an airplane, the days we've been ice skating I drew ice skates, etc. well, I have another airplane for when Ted comes back, a building for court, an American flag on the day we fly home, etc.
Valera ran back to where I was Skyping with Ted, pointed at Ted and said "three days" and made an airplane motion. Then said "me, America" and held up ten fingers but flashing them twice as to say "twenty days".
During our Skype session tonight, Mary Kate's friend Kaitlyn walked in and Valera said, "hi Kaitlyn" (he had met her during a Skype session a few days ago).
The best part was that at some point during our Skype time, Valera asked, "Delaney dome?" which in English means, "is Delaney home?" That he was connecting the dots of who belongs in the family, who he wasn't seeing, and that he used his words to ask about her was just another thing to celebrate.
As we were about to say prayers, Valera jumped and rolled into bed...literally....saying "America".
Although with his accent he doesn't say the ending so it comes out like "Americ".
My description can't do justice to the excitement he was showing. My dad said it best tonight as we talked about it....it was as if Valera could picture himself "at home" being a part of it all.
As Valera said to Ted and Mary Kate tonight, "pleasant dreams".
p.s. In case it keeps you up at night, the new score in UNO is:
Valera 130
Mom. 60
Lisa -
ReplyDeleteAs i reread and get caught up on your posts, I want to tell you how much I admire you and your entire family. Valera seems to be such a sweet boy & soon you will all be back home in Virginia enjoying your home together as a family. This waiting will be over soon and & it will become a distant memory. The verse you quoted earlier comes to mind again... Joshua 1:9 Be strong & brave - do not lose hope. Please remember how much you are loved and cherished and find strength from your many friends and family. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. - Natalie & family
Lisa.... you make me cry every night!!!! Reading where you put Valera's score and then "mom's" score got me! You're a family!!! He is such a joy! What a positive happy boy... he fits in perfectly with your family which is full of joy! Is 20 more days what you have left? what comes after the court date???? Love ya, miss ya, think about you! ginger
ReplyDeleteLisa & Ted,
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us abreast of these exciting events! It makes us feel like we're a part of the whole process -- though we're far, far away. Hope the rest of the process goes -- at least on the main points -- goes according to plan. We can't wait to meet Valera!
Love,
Dan & Jill Robin