Two Months Update

Can you believe that we have been home for two months already? Just like with Maia... in some ways, it seems like much longer and in some ways, it seems like it has not been that long. So, I figured it's time for an update on Matthew.
We've been pretty busy since getting home. Matthew has had his fair share of doctor appointments. On Tuesday, we had a follow up appointment with the urologist. Unfortunately, surgery was not 100% successful so Matthew is going to require another urology surgery next summer. We have seen some improvement and I asked the surgeon if there was any possibility that his body could still heal the issue completely. He said "no." I wish that I had been brave enough to say "With my God, ALL things are possible!" I am praying for a miracle and total closure of fistula that is diverting urine. The first surgery was so traumatic for Matthew that it is hard to think about another surgery.
He saw the neurologist last week. MRI and skull x-ray are scheduled for next week. These are to obtain some baseline information, not because there are any current concerns. The neurologist did say that we could consider some reshaping of Matthew's plate and skull as a cosmetic issue before he starts kindergarten if we want. I guess we'll see how things go, but I don't anticipate that we will pursue that. As Matthew's hair gets longer, his scar and plate will be less visible. We did get a referral to the brain injury clinic and those appointments are coming up in the next few weeks. I think that will be important so that we can learn more about how the brain injury affects Matthew's behavior, learning, etc. So, that's the medical stuff.
As far as adjustment goes, I think things are going as well as can be expected. Matthew seems to comprehend that we are "his" momma and daddy. And although he is sometimes shy around others, boundaries are still being learned. At the park last week, he was all ready to leave with some other kids who were heading home after playing. There is a lot of testing to see how we will react and how consistent we are. Matthew is learning that it is not ok to say "no" when we ask him to do something. He is somewhat defiant and not afraid to talk back. It's probably good that some of that comes in Russian so we don't understand exactly what he is saying - lol!! He is very impulsive and often acts seeemingly without thought which is a bit scary. My guess is that this may be related to his brain injury.
On the other hand, he is a very sweet boy. He loves cudding up with us, giving hugs and kisses. He notices when others get hurt and responds. He likes to be in the middle of all the action and doesn't want to miss out on anything. I'm starting to see a dimple in the left cheek when he smiles which is adorable. Although he is still pretty moody, I think some of the grief that we noticed after first getting home has improved. He went through a stretch about a week ago when he kept talking about taking a plane back to the detsky dom. His life is so much different than it used to be, I'm sure that there are many times when Matthew longs for the familiarity of the orphanage environment (not to mention that mom and dad have all these rules and expectations for how to act in a family). Today though, he did say "no detsky dom."
Matthew is learning English quickly and seems to be very observant. He picks up on activities well. His pre-school teacher says that he really enjoys chapel.  Machinas (cars, four-wheelers, motorcycles, tractors, lawn mowers, etc) are absolutely the best!! Grandpa Jerry's cows and Papa's boats are close competitors, though.
Physically, I don't think he's changed as much as Maia did in her first two months at home. Matthew has grown one inch and gained about 8 oz. Wish I could put some meat on those bones, but he is a very finicky eater. I'm hoping that he will adjust as well as Maia has. On the positive side, he does really love almost any kind of fruit. Now if he would feel that way about proteins...
It's been a wild and crazy two months, but so good to have our boy home!!

 Meeting Matthew again - three months ago

Headed home - two months ago

Home two months already!!

Ok... one last comment. Now that I look back on the picture of our first official meeting with Matthew three months ago, I can see a big change in him. Just like the meaning of his name, Matthew is truly a "gift of God" and we are so glad that he is part of our family!!