Nick's 1 1/2 Years "Gotcha Day"

Today makes a year and a half since the day Nick woke up in his new bed in America after joining our family!  He has come a long way, baby!  And I don't just mean the 6,000 miles - ha! 

Nick has learned a lot about family and the love of Christ.  He asks kids (and adults) who will engage in conversation with him whether they are Christians (examples: the carpenter working in my laundry room and his guitar teacher).  Then he asks whether they go to church - lol!  He has learned that our family will never abandon him, which gives him a great source of comfort.  Although, he has asked me who would take him if David and I die and he's still a kid.  He knows that parents who love their children will discipline them when needed.  When a kid at school is a troublemaker or a bully, he always says, "Probly his mom and dad don't care about him."  WOW. 

However much my son can manage to get on my nerves -- and I DO let him know ;) -- he remains a precious child of God.  He has hopes, dreams, and aspirations just like any other kid.  He is a good kid -- a good little person. 

Here are the before/after photos of my handsome son, Nick.  The first is from when I first arrived at the orphanage in Ukraine for the adoption, January 2010.  The second is from the end of this summer, July 2011, at the host kids' farewell party.