Journey to Jhenya: Adoption From Russia

Today is my son Jhenya's 3rd birthday, but the first one he has ever actually known about or celebrated.

Jhenya was born in Russia, in the Chita Region of Siberia and like hundreds of thousands of Russian children, was given up for adoption at birth. He was a preemie and spent several days on a ventilator. The only home he ever knew was his orphanage, Baby House #2, in a remote village outside the city.

My husband Derrick and I decided to adopt a toddler from Russia because I had covered several stories about Eastern European orphans and I have a lot of Russian heritage in my ancestry. We didn't plan on travelling to Chita but when our adoption agency matched us with Jhenya we immediately began making plans for the 12 hour flight to Moscow followed by a 7 hour flight to Chita.

Our first trip to Russia was in March. I will never forget the moment I first met Jhenya! Derrick and I were brought to a playroom and before we had time to unpack gifts or get the lenscap off the camera, a caregiver led him in. We had received pictures of him, but they didn't do him justice! I couldn't believe how adorable he was, even though he was practically petrified with fear. We spent three days visiting him and could hardly wait to return in May to finalize the adoption.

We brought Jhenya home May 23rd. The first two weeks were exhausting because EVERYTHING was new to Jhenya, from the stove to the electrical outlets to the steak knives and the dog's food bowls. (Yes, he tasted the dog food, along with crayons, markers and makeup) He and his 41/2 year old brother Nicholas didn't hit it off immediately either. Still, he had the most wonderful personality and sense of humor and in two months he has blossomed like a little flower.

He is learning English words and has begun to use little phrases, like "Jhenya Dinner" or "Mommy Work" After a very limited diet of mostly porridge in Russia, he has gotten used to American food and LOVES pizza, watermelon and yogurt especially. He will eat any vegetable he can dip in ranch dressing!

In Russia, he had mostly sponge baths and was terrified of our bath tub at first. Now, his favorite activities are going swimming and bike riding. He has already moved from a tricycle to a little bike with training wheels!

He is happy and healthy and excited about his birthday! I wasn't sure he would understand what a birthday was, but since he's been to two birthday parties with his Big Brother Nicholas, he totally gets it.

Happy Birthday to my brave, beautiful boy Jhenya!!