"We are leaving for Kazan tomorrow (Wed) and we went to

see Kyle twice yesterday (Monday) and have completed our

first visit on Tuesday. On Monday, I had the opportunity to sit

down with the caregiver to learn a little bit more about Kyle
and his habits. He has five other children in his group and they

all hang out together. They described Kyle as being active,

a fast learner and a little on the stubborn side. In the orphanage,

they share toys although it is my understanding that Kyle does

not prefer to share but he does so very willingly with Mommy

and Grampy. When we first came to the orphanage, I gave Kyle a

Bear and Blanket which you see in the pictures from today. These

items belong only to Kyle and he sleeps with the Bear and Blanket

each night. The caregiver told me a story about the bear. When

Kyle goes to sleep, he likes to move back and forth and he took

the bear and was rocking the bear back and forth in his bed.
Finally, the caregiver told me that she went over to his bed and

told him (in Russian of course) that the bear had fallen asleep at

which point Kyle put the Bear down, closed his eyes and

immediately fell to sleep! During the Morning visit today

(Tuesday), I walked down the long hallway to the room where I go
each day with the interpreter to get Kyle. Kyle came running over

to me and wanted me to hold him immediately. I then told him

in English "Go get your Bear" and he understood perfectly as he

walked to the sleeping room, opened the door and got his Bear.

The interpreter looked at me in amazement and I told her
that I wish I could learn Russian as fast as he is learning English. The
interpreter told me that it is strange for her when families return

to adopt a second child and bring the first child back because she

remembers them speaking Russian and they no longer speak or

understand any Russian! I will enjoy our second visit today and

Grampy and I will be very sad to leave Kyle after tomorrow's visit

but look forward to returning soon to get him! Aside from the
Bear and the Blanket, Kyle really enjoys his sippy cup as you

can see from the picture. He does get to hear the word Niyet (No)

because he also tries to dump out the water and finds it to be very

funny. Grampy and I do our best to entertain him in the small room

for two hours at a time and have added to our repertoire of toys

each day. As with any kid, he enjoys the boxes more than the toys!"