 |
| Plaza of our son's village |
It was surreal as we stepped out of our car to walk back up the uneven street that lead to the social workers office. We had been there before, and it all seemed so familiar. This was the same walk we took on a similar morning in April, when we nervously waited for the first glimpse or sound of a small child we had never met.
This time was different though. There he was, waiting with his foster mom at the front of the building. How much would he know? Would he freak out when she left, and he was expected to ride away forever with two people he barely knew? He gave a shout for joy as he saw us, calling to us and also saying "swings! swings!" He quickly reached for "Tatko", Daddy, to be picked up, smiling. He remembered us! He was especially excited to see Abe! He also obviously remembered that we always played at the playground that he referred to as "swings."
 |
| 1st picture reunited!!! |
We received and signed a bunch of important papers and documents with our attendant and the social worker.
 |
| Important Documents |
The foster mom went to buy some of the meds he has been taking so we would have them. She then quietly slipped out, leaving him in our care. What would happen now? Would he immediately become frightened? Would he scream and cry for the next 5 hours in the car? Nope, not time to freak out yet. Ian was so excited by everything going on that he didn't really notice right away. He seemed concerned that she was gone, but was not distraught. When we did leave to start our journey back to the capital, he wanted to look for her or go to the playground. Time would not allow so we had to go. We weren't sure how he would do on the 5 hour car ride. He was super excited to ride in the car, he had most likely only ridden in one a only few times in his entire life! On trip one, when we got to meet him, we took him on a shorter car ride, 25min, and he did get carsick on the way home. We gave him a bit of Dramamine, just in case, and he was perfect riding in the car. We took a few rest stops for bathroom breaks, had a few little snacks, and eventually a nap.
Finally, we made it to our home for the next week and a half, a small yet spacious 2 bedroom apartment in Sofia. He proceeded to explore this new place by looking in every room and opening every cupboard. We quickly put out of reach anything that looked breakable, lamps, and decor mostly stayed out of reach. He got to have a bath, which he was very cautious about, but enjoyed. We think he mostly had showers before and had not much experience with huge bathtubs. So squeaky clean, he went to bed. The clothes we brought fit, but not the diapers. The bedtime underpants, fit though, thankfully! He is used to sharing a bed so we stayed with him in his room until he fell asleep and then came to him when he would wake up crying in the night. What an adventure! We now have a son, now we have to figure out who he is and how to take care of him.
